Making Peace with Imperfection

I have yet to know anyone who is a perfectionist that possesses inner peace. The need for perfection and the desire for peace conflict with each other. Whenever we are attached to having something a certain way, better than it already is, we are, almost by definition, engaged in a losing battle. Rather than focusing on what we have and being content and grateful for it, we focus on what’s wrong with something and our need to fix it. When we center our lives on what’s wrong, we foster dissatisfaction and discontent in our lives. This is not to say we shouldn’t have goals and aspirations. However, the focus of our life should not be on those things that are wrong, but those that are right. We ought not to be driven by the negative, but the positive in our lies. Whether its related to ourselves – a disorganized closet, a scratch on our car, an imperfect accomplishment, a few pounds we would like to lose – or someone else’s “imperfections” – the way someone looks, behaves, or lives their life – the very act of focusing on imperfection pulls away from our goal of being kind and gentle. This strategy has nothing to do with ceasing to do our very best, but with being overly attached and focused on what’s wrong with life. It’s about realizing that while there’s always a better way to do something, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy and appreciate the way things already are. Listen to the Apostle Paul as he reminds us of the most disappointing part of our present lives: It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:43-44,51-52,58 ESV). The key is in that last verse: “be strong and steady.” Satisfaction in our lives should not be based on what we do not have, but in who we do have. Perhaps one of the most profound stories on happiness is the old familiar one: A puppy said to a big dog, "I have mastered philosophy. I have learned that the best thing for a dog is happiness, and that happiness is my tail. Therefore I am chasing it; and when I catch it, I shall have it!" The old dog replied, "I, too, have judged that happiness is a marvelous thing for a dog, and that happiness indeed resides in my tail. But I've noticed that when I chase it, it keeps running away from me; but when I go about my business, it comes after me." Many years ago, a little boy was given a priceless possession: his deceased grandfather's gold pocket watch. How he treasured it! But one day, while playing at his father's ice plant, he lost the watch amid all the ice and sawdust. He searched and scratched, becoming frantic, but no watch. Then he suddenly realized what to do. He stopped scurrying around and became very still. In the silence, he heard the watch ticking. God has given each of us a priceless gift of joy in Jesus. How easy it is to lose our joy in the scurrying around of life. Yet it is always there to find, if we will but pause and listen to the beautiful presence of Jesus in our hearts.