By Nancy Virden (c)2025

We all have a few limits. Our question is not, “How do I get it all,” but how do I reach my full potential in my chosen area? Expertise is found where study or experience encompasses years of practice. The man or woman who has worked with cars for twenty years can fix a car well. The nurse of fifteen years knows more than the nurse straight out of school.

Where is your expertise? Or in what sphere are you growing into an expert? Psalm 119: 96 says there is a limit to perfection. The more we learn, the more we understand that we do not know all. Some know-it-alls could live happier lives and have healthier relationships if they admitted their limits. You have met someone like this, no doubt. Usually, they are the least educated and operate out of insecurity and braggadociousness.

What about you?

1. Admit your expertise in one area. If you think it is not enough or is meaningless, think of it as a seed. Can you learn more? Perhaps you have discovered a helpful lawn care trick or are good at handball. Where can you begin to gain expertise? Free online classes and YouTube tutorials are one place to start. Maybe get a job in a lawn care or sports organization. Join a contest.
2. Look for ways to incorporate your knowledge into volunteerism. Birdwatchers, could you teach avian information to students at a nearby mission? Accountants, could you help in summer programs to advance students in math? The parent who has stayed home to care for a special needs child, how about starting a support group for others in your position? It can be done online and be very effective.
3. Never stop learning. You have decorated your home and enjoyed it. Study trends, fabric names, and paint qualities. Learn to recover sofas and chairs. Study to appreciate art and generations of style. When you have enough information to do a good job, ask a friend if you may redecorate his or her office or bedroom. As you gain experience, become an expert at each part of a house, such as kitchen or patio design, before redoing a house.
4. Build a solid foundation. Principle number 3 applies to whatever your field of interest. Learning and practicing in small bits is doable as your expertise is built on a solid foundation. Avoid becoming a self-proclaimed expert who remains stuck in semi-ignorance and continues in their field, negatively affecting the lives of others.
5. Be gracious to yourself. This is a life-long learning experience. To avoid failure, offer your help only in ways you know how to be of service. A scholar does no one any good by teaching a subject he or she knows nothing about. You are allowed to be human and not know everything!

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 119:96

 Even perfection has its limits,
    but your commands have no limit.

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

_{HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION, COPYRIGHT © 1996, 2004, 2015 BY TYNDALE HOUSE FOUNDATION. USED BY PERMISSION OF TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS, INC., CAROL STREAM, ILLINOIS 60188, PER BIBLE GATEWAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. RETRIEVED FROM HTTPS://WWW.BIBLEGATEWAY.COM/}