Why do I have such a desire to be perfect at everything I do? Why do I stress and sweat over all the details? I want my projects to reflect a job well done. I want things to just look right. I guess it's not all that bad wanting to be perfect. After all Jesus said be perfect.
"Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48
It's not so bad to want to be perfect, it's how I go about it. What are my underlying motives and how am I actually going to accomplish this perfectionism in my life? It will cost me time, energy and possibly relationships.
I have had to give up on this notion to be perfect. To be superwoman and do it all, perfectly. A wise friend told me once that God desires excellency from his children, so seek Him and do a few things excellently instead of all the above with mediocrity. I like this advice. My friend is a wise woman! So I have learned to pick a few things to be involved in outside of the home and I do them well. I have to constantly evaluate the new projects that come across my path. I have to weigh them out and see if they meet my criteria for participating. I have had to say no to some really good things. I also have had to step down from things I was involved in. God has showed me in His Word what is good for me in this season of life. What a good balance of activities is verses stressing myself out trying to manage my level of perfectionism. It's just so hard for me to say no, when there are so many good things to be involved in. I am slowly learning this lesson. Saying no to an activity can cause disappointment with friends and include social pressures. I can honestly say deep in my heart this has happened to me and over time I was really thankful I listed to the Lord. He knew what I could handle and what was too much. I know myself, I want to give 100%. I just tend to spread myself out too thin and wear myself out.
I have one of those decisions to make before me now. I need to step down from something that is dear to my passions as a plant lover, yet God has been clear, it is time to move on. I also have a ministry opportunity knocking on my door to serve and lead children. Both of these weigh heavy on my heart. I know God will be clear. I have to listen to His voice. I know that my desire to do it all and be all clouds His ability to work through me. I get too busy and forget I am a reflection of Christ - the perfect one. I am to represent Him the spotless lamb, the holy righteous one, the hope of glory to a world around me. If I am too busy trying to be perfect for me, then I will miss being perfect for Him and others will miss it too.
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Hi! I'm stopping by from the Nester's 31 Dayers page. I had to read this post because perfectionism is a continuing struggle for me. Your words here are practical, encouraging, and graceful. They've been a good reminder for me to slow down long enough to be intentional in how I use my time and talent. Thank you, and blessings on your journey!
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