How Perfection is Overrated

I’m not perfect, are you? Realistic people would answer “No!” to that question. Here are three truths about perfection:

• It’s relative. One person’s definition of it might not agree with someone else’s opinion. We all have our priorities. For instance, one parent might expect her child to get all A’s in school while another mother might be indifferent to academics. In this case, only one of these people includes grades in her definition of excellence.
• It’s a process, not a destination.  Most of us learn and improve daily. Growth is an ongoing battle for most of us. Reasonable people don’t think, “Okay. I’m faultless now. Nobody can teach me anything. All my goals and dreams have been accomplished.” The truth is that individuals with such a manner of thinking often block themselves from even greater achievements.
• Our efforts to perfect ourselves might not always be obvious.  Our lives may still seem like a mess from a certain viewpoint. In reality, we are building a beautiful new life out of seemingly unrelated pieces. To illustrate this point, please watch this outstanding 44-second video from eBaums world:

Imperfection is okay.

Whether we admit it or not, we’re all on a learning curve. No human being is a finished product. Life is in a constant state of flux. Physical and mental trauma happens. Lifestyle changes come about for a variety of reasons.

Many alterations leave their mark in our minds and our bodies. Some of these transformations will be pleasant; some won’t. Yet, they all become a part of us. They are an integral part of our being.

The Spectrum of Life

Today, I would like to share a poem on the subject of human imperfection. My friend, Shaheen Darr, has graciously allowed me to mention a poem from her book, The Spectrum of Life:

My Best Self

So you want to see my best self

Polished and preened, all defects painted over?

As nice as pie, clear conscience, no hidden

cover?

I hate to disappoint, but the penumbra in my

being

Hangs like a haze lingers over crystal waters

Very much as intended by nature

My best self consists of a malleable mould

That cannot be strong, without being weak

From all things bad, it is the good it does seek.

A voyage of human discovery

At the conclude of which no earthly treasure

lies in wait.

Just twenty one grams, no more, no less in weight

Will accolade the best of my life on this earth.

My Conclusion

Human beings are flawed. We aren't static porcelain figurines. We’re similar to pliable clay in the hands of the divine potter.  Every experience and relationship molds us into a stronger, more malleable work of beauty. It’s an ongoing process. The beauty is in the procedure.

Even the apostle Paul wrote, in Philippians 3:12, “Not that I have already obtained this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (NIV)

The method of attaining perfection will vary with each person, too. What seems to be a pile of trash from one perspective may be a work of art from another.

How are you growing each day?