Embrace the imperfect. These words came to mind as I spent time waiting on God in listening prayer yesterday. Everything in me resisted the impression these words held. Being a perfectionist, I am the first to acknowledge how imperfect I am and how frustrating it can be to constantly fall short of an impossible standard.
Whether we expect perfection from ourselves, from those around us, or from our lives here on earth, we will be left disappointed. I think the biggest understatement Jesus made was, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Who knew there could be so many forms of trouble?
I was awakened in the middle of the night by six-year-old Hannah, letting me know she needed to throw up. It turned into a long night and an even longer morning. I had lost count, but on our umpteenth time to the bathroom, Hannah. looked up at me with sorrowful eyes, “Mommy, this is the 13th time.” And that wasn’t the end. Hannah has always been one to bear her pain silently. The only words from her throughout her illness were, “Mommy, I don’t like being sick. Can you pray for me again?” By late morning I was carrying her from the couch to the bathroom because she was too weak to walk.
Talk about imperfect. Watching a child go through such agony is devastating, especially when it’s your child. All I could do was repeatedly pray for God to have mercy. About an hour ago, the vomiting ceased, and the emotion and exhaustion of it all welled up in my heart—a combination of disappointment for how long my prayers took to be answered and release that it seemed to be coming to an end.
I am now sitting out on our porch, a perfect spring day. Taking in and enjoying the moment: the light breeze, the sun beating down on my legs, the birds chirping, and the smell of freshly mowed grass. I refuse to worry about tomorrow and all the unknowns that weigh me down—shackles of my choosing. True, life is far from perfect, but I serve a God who is perfect, and he is enough. He is sufficient to cover all my imperfections, failures, and sin. His perfection is more than able to uphold this fallen world with all its evils and corruption.
So, while we wait for perfection to come, embrace the imperfect. Don’t try to cover it all up. Let go of needing things to be a certain way. Give others grace. Show mercy. Let yourself make mistakes. Use fewer filters. Recognize that we live in a world full of trouble, but take heart, because Jesus has already overcome.
Great message, dear Daughter! And one that has been ‘born” through much suffering through many years. Both you and Hannah have learned to suffer bravely. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”! Mom and I have been going through our own suffering as well, Your words bring hope and joy to us. Love, Dad
Thank you, Dad! We have much need for perseverance in this life. May we remain faithful until the end!
Precious thoughts and wise words! Thank you. I remember well how long the nights were when one of my children was sick. God bless you.
Thank you Patti! I know they are precious opportunities to love our children well.
Thanks so very much for these words and for your example of perseverance, Karis.
Thank you, Bob. Thankfully we serve a God who carries us when we are too weak to walk.
Thank you, Karis, for sharing a timely word as I am struggling with a lingering head cold; the loss of my son Mike as his birthday April 30th approaches; and the upcoming 1 year anniversary of my husband Jim’s death on May 10th. While God has carried me through these life changing events, I am still overwhelmed with grief at times. Your encouragement and testimony help me to focus on the comfort and healing Jesus brings in our time of need.