And now I know why it's taken so long.
One word: Perfectionism.
I always want to have the right words to say, the best advice to give and the most entertaining stories to read. But in the last couple of months, through careful evaluation and experience, I have come to a conclusion.
Perfectionism sucks.
Perfectionism steals our "good enough."
Perfectionism makes us focus more on what is going wrong than what is going right.
And perfectionism makes us overthink what to order at Pizaa Port.
Perfectionism. Codependency. Not feeling good enough. Always getting annoyed when things aren't perfect or things break or wear out, etc...All of these things are just different sides to the same coin.
We just want to be in control.
Ad we are just scared.
Perfectionism is just another form of fear.
And that's why we portion out what we eat or beat ourselves up when we gain weight or binge again.
It's why we're so obsessed with things being perfect- in our homes, relationships, bodies and beyond.
But here's the thing...controlling your food intake or exercise regimen or whatever your vice may be...is just trying to delay the inevitable.
We can only protect ourselves for so long before reality hits and we have to deal with whatever we're trying to forget.
So what if we just let things be? What if we just let them sit there. Just let them be what they need to be- however wonderful or terrible they are?
Life is so so messy after all.
I'm discovering a key to peace in this life: being okay with things not being okay.
Nothing will ever be 100% "okay"....there's always something.
But what if we practiced being okay with things NOT being okay?
With things being "good enough?"
And just leaving things un-done sometimes?
Because we'll always spill our coffee and maybe that person we love will always be sick.
The more we can be okay with life not being perfect, the better life gets- and the more we'll be able to enjoy what's right in front of us.
Because eating pizza, a big ol' salad, having a beer, not hating yourself after and actually being present? Now that's a true gift.
A friend reminded me recently that heaven will be so nice because it won’t even cross our mind that the other shoe will drop. We will finally be in the true place of perfection.
But we aren’t there yet, and that's why we struggle so much with perfectionism, I think.
That’s why we get so annoyed when things aren’t perfect.
Or why we have a debilitating eating disorders for years to try to control our lives.
Let things just "be."
You’ll never be perfect.
Your body will never be perfect.
Nothing in this world will ever be perfect.
But it’s good enough.
And that yearning we have within for things to be right? Whole? Perfect?
It’s from God.
But we live in a broken world, remember??
That's why there's a disconnect.
But the good news is....you were made in Christ Jesus to do the good work that he has for you.
And nothing will ever change that.
So here you go:
You are loved
You are good enough
You don't need to chase perfection.
Stop focusing so much on all the imperfections.
They will always be there.
Focus on that amazing person you get to share your meal with.
Focus on the blessings God is showering over you.
And focus on the things that actually matter.
You are good enough,
Plain and simple. Be okay with things not being okay- because someday they finally will. And that will be a glorious day.
Imperfectly,
E
P. S. "Perfectionism is pride. We cannot be perfect in this life. Plain and simple.
If you want to read a super convicting article, read this one. Wowwwwwwww. I know....keep reading here: https://biblicalcounselingcenter.org/help-perfectionists/
P. P. S. And when you catch yourself not being happy with your life or comparing your life to someone else's? LOOK UP. Read Psalm 37. And get your perspective on eternity. It will change everything.
P. P. P. S. Be okay with things not being okay. This isn't the end. This isn't what we're living for.
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