Perfectionism Is Poison

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The cake fell flat.

The cat puked.

Ants have migrated to the kitchen.

The flower bed is...well, a mess.

I didn't get enough rest last night.

I need a haircut.

The kids didn't finish their school work.

I didn't read my devotional today.

That thing that happened really annoyed me.

My nerves are frayed.

And I'm still waiting for my 21 year old body to return...any day now.

I hear the hiss in my ear.

I want the perfect life. I strive for the perfect life.

I fail at the perfect life. Big sigh.

I gripe at times. I hold onto resentment. I long for more.

I play out in my own mind what I think should happen. How life should be.

Perfectionism is the poisonous venom of a serpent.

I've been bit, and it stings.The wound is raw... and painful.

The realization hits me. Again. This life will never be perfect.

And yet, I still search.

What is wrong with me? I wish I could just let it go. Be happy with the way things are.

Wouldn't life be easier if I didn't care about pet fur, and folding laundry? If everyone would follow the schedule, and pick up after themselves? If I had a new vehicle and a snappy wardrobe? If I looked like I did when I was younger and had more energy?

Each day I do battle with perfectionism.

The fangs sink deeper into my flesh.

I need to break free from the bondage of perfectionism. It really is bondage, pure and simple.

The fear of not being perfect, is really the fear of not measuring up to (impossible) standards.

God did not give me the the spirit of fear. His desire is not for me to be a frustrated perfectionist.

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."  2 Timothy 1:7  NIV

He loves me. Imperfections and all.

*********************

Keeping it real, in our jam about perfectionism. Won't you join us?

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Juggling Is Not My Thing

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Juggling, really is not my thing. I always drop the balls. I might try again, but most likely one ball will go shooting off in one direction and another will hit the floor. Sigh.

In the big scheme of things whether or not I can juggle really doesn't matter. I'm not planning on joining a three ring circus anytime soon. (Although on really difficult days, I will admit, the thought has crossed my mind.)

How many times have I tried to juggle things in my life? Not balls, or fruit..... but, schedules, lists, quiet time, responsibilities, friends? How many times have I allowed certain things to crash to the ground because I realized that I can't do it all?

Drum roll, please....I'm not perfect.

If you are anything like me, you aren't perfect either. Isn't it refreshing to be able to say that? Just to admit it? Embrace it? ......Big, deep breath.

There have been many times where I don't get everything accomplished in a day.  There are things that I had planned, that didn't get finished... Or even get started, for that matter. I feel overwhelmed. A failure. What is the matter with me? Why can't I be super wife? Mom? Friend?

I read something recently that was a great reminder ---I can't do it all. I shouldn't expect that I would be able to do everything. What a relief!  Life is far too fleeting to sweat the small stuff. Now, if I could just remember that on a daily basis.

On that note, here is my list for today:

* Life is short, whether we live an hour or one hundred years...in the scope of eternity, it's all short. Enjoy it, for the time you have.

*Value each moment. Don't rush. Slow down. Take it all in.

* Pay attention to the things that matter.

* Tell those you love that you love them. You need to say it, and more importantly, they need to hear it.

* Life is not an emergency, stop acting like it is.

* Give yourself a break. Perfection is not really any fun.

* Thank God for each day...no matter what kind of day you're having. Each moment is a gift. Priceless...

* God is so good. It's all by His grace. His sweet, amazing grace.

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.    1 Peter 5:7 ESV

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Don't Expect Perfection

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Don't expect perfection from me because it's not going to be happening. Oh, I try. Sometimes, I find myself trying too much. Fretting over the coulda, shoulda, woulda's of life.

There are days when I lament the fact that I am not taller. Or thinner. Or funnier. Or that I would read my Bible more. Or be more thrifty..or....or......or...... the list can go on and on, can't it?

After I have my pity party, I come back to reality. I will never be perfect. I just won't.

God knows that.

And that is okay.

As much as I don't like to share my imperfections with the world, it is those very imperfections that draw people to me. It is the same with you.

This life is not about being perfect. Perfect is not attainable. Being real is more important.

It's when I take off the "expectations", and strive instead, to be the one that I was created to be, that things change. I begin to see the glory in the moments. I see God's hand in my life.

My DNA says that I am unique. I am special. There is no one just like me. Not in all the world. That is pretty amazing stuff if you think about it.

God is pretty amazing...and incredible...and He really IS perfect.

And yet, He still loves me.

Imperfections and all.

 

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