If happiness only occurs when everything is perfect . . . well then, not a one of us is ever going to experience a single second of happiness this side of heaven.
And yet … happiness has embraced me in many less-than-perfect moments. Surprised me. Comforted me. Strengthened me.
Imperfect doesn’t mean worthless.
An imperfect moment (or moments) in a day doesn’t have to obscure the glimpses of happiness that might be tucked within the very same day.
Am I saying to gloss over heartache?
No.
But I am saying to learn to let go of the oh-so-high-bar of perfection so that we can grab hold of the happiness right within our reach.
In Your Words: When were you able to look beyond the imperfections and embrace happiness? I’d love to hear your stories and insights.
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Comments 12
This is such a great perspective, Beth. Dropping the bar for perfection is essential for my sanity. My honey calls himself a recovering perfectionist, and I think I fall into that category too. It requires giving myself grace and the freedom to make mistakes, to be disappointed, but also to move beyond the disappointment to acceptance. Then, I can find happiness.
I’m sure I have stories aplenty about imperfect times, but none are coming to mind with two boys chatting at the moment. 🙂
Loved this post, Beth.
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Moving beyond disappointment to acceptance … yes!
I knew a Chris. dentist & wife who shared w/ our youth group that he had a major check list he updated each time he met a nice young woman and took her out. He did this faithfully until he met his wife–and then he threw it out. (Bravo!)
With me? I’m amazed at how initial impressions of people are so often raised much higher by interactions w/ them. I don’t think it’s that I’m so critical, just that I hadn’t viewed them adequately. So glad to be surprised and blessed by relationships God arranges.
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Love the list tossing … I’ve tossed out a few of my own over the years.
I realized something this past year.
People ACTUALLY like me.
It only took me until my 40’s to think that and almost to 50 to BELIEVE it.
I will never be tall and thin, I will always have a curvy figure. There is no DNA in my family tree to suggest otherwise.
Let it go.
I will never be the one people turn to for math help.
I will also never be the one who people turn to when they need fitness tips.
But, without sounding braggy and therefore losing my Canadian passport, people DO turn to me when they need a smile.
I may not be perfect. But I am the one who can whisper things in your ear during a boring sermon/lecture/speech and make you lose it and snort into your hand. And text “shut up now!” while you bite your lip.
I will probably get kicked out of the gala at ACFW. You know, for making sure my table has fun.
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And you’re the kind of person I like hanging with, JZM!
🙂
Someday, I’m going to get US kicked out of somewhere!! There’s a noble goal…
I’m with Jennifer. Once I was in church and a speaker was being introduced as a real, live missionary, and for the life of me I couldn’t stop thinking–“as opposed to one who wasn’t?” Unfortunately, I didn’t keep this thought to myself. I shared it with the person sitting next to me. She was as crazy as I was. We both sat there trying not to look at each other, because whenever we did, laughter would start all over. However, the missionary was an excellent speaker and soon had us under his spell as he talked about living in Africa.
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Will remember to be careful when I make eye contact with you, Pat — and when I don’t.
😉
Um, I embrace imperfection — and happiness — every time I dance, even if it’s just in my bathroom (the shower’s too dangerous). I’ve got rhythm but white girl can’t dance! 😛
Although I do the sprinkler and the shopping cart with the best of ’em, I must say.
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Not the Q-Tip?
😉
LOVED this. I struggled so much with perfectionism when I was in highschool/college. And it does sap away from happiness because nothing is ever perfect. The more I embrace the messiness of life, the more I can just be happy where I am without the expectations.