Coloring Outside the Lines

Perfection. I am seeing it outside my window. Beautiful snowflakes that have been perfectly shaped by God's hands. None of them are the same; each perfectly unique. As humans we keep trying to reach a perfection. I am guilty of that...ever since I could remember. My first grade teacher had to kindly remind me that ONLY God is perfect. Yes, indeed He is, but several years later it still is a struggle of mine especially when I became a mother. I won't blame it on the genes, environmental factors or our secular culture. Instead I pray for balance:

Perfection vs. Balance

The world calls us to be “perfect” mothers, but I believe God calls us to be “balanced” mothers.

A “perfect” mother puts appearance above relationship. A “balanced” mother sacrifices appearance for relationship.

A “perfect” mother seeks approval from others. A “balanced” mother seeks approval from God.

A “perfect” mother finds reward in perceived success. A “balanced” mother’s reward is a peaceful heart, family and home.

A “perfect” mother perpetuates the lie and spreads disillusionment. A “balanced” mother breaks the lie and spreads hope, truth and inspiration.

~from Kat by Inspired Into Action

I try to remind myself DAILY that I am not here to impress neighbors, friends, strangers or family members but to honor God in all I do. Some areas are easier for me while others are not. I am learning to gently remind myself that it's not how fast the girls can decode their reading assignment, recite their addition facts or remain perfectly behaved in public. It's about the kindness they are showing to each other, strangers, friends and family. It's Anna looking at her bible before school this morning and asking where is heaven. It's Kate sharing her special treat with her sister and requesting prayer for safety as her daddy is traveling. To me that is perfection: gratifying and authentic.

However, the dark side of perfection likes to raise it's ugly head and put me off course. It can easily fill my head with lies and rattle my heart. So in order to stay focused I need direction, concrete direction for this type A personality. Hence my mission statement:

• to pursue Jesus with my whole heart and surrender all that I am and all that I have so that I can be fully used by Him.
• to make Jeff feel loved, cared for and admired.
• to have FUN with my children and help them grow up to be people who know, deeply love and wholeheartedly serve God.
• to live my life in such a way that others are inspired to fully pursue Jesus and desire constant growth in their personal lives.

Whew, I have my work cut out for me but anything is possible with Jesus, right? Perfection and balance. Good versus evil. The beautiful flakes are still falling and the ground has a fresh white coating. A vivid red cardinal is perched on a snow covered branch. Wow, what a gentile reminder that I am cleaned and forgiven through the power of His blood, through the wonder of His love, through faith in Him I know that I can be white as snow.

I did it. I colored outside the lines. I have a long list of posts to get on this blog to get caught up but the first step to undo perfection is speaking from the heart not a calendar or a to-do list. Next assignment: family mission statements.