I once knew a woman who never ceased to amaze me with her zeal for life and pristine persona. I mean she had a cute little figure and a super sweet personality to boot. It was crazy. Her kids were always polite, and exceedingly adorable. They wore the cutest outfits and always said thank you. And so did she!
I was pretty sure she sat down daily to have coffee with Jesus himself, and the thought of an ugly word crossing her lips was unfathomable to me. She. Was. Perfect! Ugh. I wanted to hate her for it, but the thing was I couldn’t. She was so darn likable.
I can recall many a time where I would look at her happy marriage or her snazzy wardrobe and dream that I could one day be that amazing. I wasn’t sure when I’d find the time to feed the homeless and bake bread, but I was willing to give it a shot. Either that, or I could just continue to stare at her in amazement through slitted eyes and slightly gritted teeth.
After I became a mother I had the opportunity to spend more time around this imagined Mary Poppins. I began to notice the most peculiar things. For example, upon questioning she didn’t do any of the stuff that my What to Expect the First Year book said to do. Even the stuff that seemed really important.
I got to know her and I realized she yelled at her kids, ran late, and I was pretty sure she said “damn” that time she dropped her plate at the church dinner. Gasp!
She suffered PMS too, and I’d even be willing to bet she got bloated, or suffered from occasional constipation. Although I couldn’t say for sure.
The point is, as I got to know her I realized she wasn’t perfect at all. She was still freaking awesome, but she was also human. Just like me. Her kids misbehaved, and she had bad hair days.
I have discovered that perfection is a farce, yet this fact doesn’t stop us from looking at others and imagining that their life is beautiful, wonderful, and practically perfect in every way. Then we might just wish for a minute that was us.
The thing is, though, you will never obtain perfection, you will never be perfect, but it’s fine because neither will anyone else. Even the people you imagine have it all together.
The woman with the “perfect” figure may suffer from the worse self-esteem ever. She may actually even hate the body you covet.
The woman with the huge house just wishes her husband was home instead of working all the time.
The mom with three adorable children is so overwhelmed she just wants one night of uninterrupted sleep. And the single, successful business woman just yearns for a baby to hold.
Did you know the “perfect” couple on Facebook is talking divorce, and the upbeat, jokester is wearing long sleeves to cover where she cuts?
The preacher’s wife hides in the laundry room drinking vodka, and your next door neighbor is regretting his affair.
And the one thing all these people have in common is that someone thinks they’re perfect, someone looks at some facet of their life and wonders, why can’t that be me?
The truth is there’s no such thing as perfect, the grass isn’t greener on the other side of the fence, and every person has struggles, hardships, and areas where they miss the mark and fall short. You just may not always see that.
The only thing you can be assured of is that we are all perfectly imperfect, and fabulously flawed in some way. Yet we are loved by a God who shows us how to try and be a little better every day.
But when you can learn to love yourself despite your imperfections then you get as close to being perfect as is possible. For when you can be happy with yourself and rejoice in the life God gave you then that’s pretty perfect. Or at least it feels that way.
No past mistake defines you, neither does your name. Your outward appearance doesn’t mean a thing, and neither does your relationship status.
Your economic standing is of little concern, and your rung on the career ladder is just a step in life.
A grateful heart, and a kind demeanor mean much more. How you love others says a lot. How you view yourself says even more. You can never be perfect, but you can be yourself, and you can be happy with that.
Philippians 3:13-14
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Donna says
Thank you Brie!!! Can’t tell you how many times your posts have brought tears to my eyes. You have a beautiful way with words. A God given talent. Thank you for sharing.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much. Your comment blesses me more than you know!
Rhonda says
So I’m loving this post!! I’m also stealing some quotes for my wall at home. I’ve started a quote wall n my kids seem to like it. Whoot whoot you made the wall!!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Haha! Thanks. I feel like a celebrity!
Leslie says
Love this!! <3
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Margaret says
Well said Brie! Your talent for teaching God’s word through your writing is truly a gift.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much. Your comment is a blessing to me!
Debbie says
Great job, BrIe!! This is so true! Write on.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much!
Sherry Evans says
Love your post and don’t miss a one! They all touch me and seem to speak to me! Thanks friend for all you do for us readers!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much. You bless me.
ruthiespage says
You are sooooo right. love you!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thanks. Love you too!
Hackle Joy Caguimbay says
I’m so blessed with your articles. Love to read and learn from them. Thank you! I wish I could write like you do. God bless you more Brie! 🙂
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much! Your comment really warms my heart!
Karen S. says
Well Said!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.