There is Only One and It is He.

It is no surprise that many women are perfectionists. Not only of ourselves and our homes, but also sometimes of other people and situations. Unfortunately, I am one of these women (I feel strange calling myself a woman, but I suppose I should suck it up and face the fact that I’m no longer 18). I have high expectations of myself, others, and life in general. These expectations have become much more realistic over the years due to other’s counsel and my own disappointments which have created more reliance on God. I am thankful for this now, but was not so at the time.

Not too long ago one of my dearest friends politely offered a book to me that she thought I may benefit from; The Relief of Imperfection: For Women Who Try Too Hard to Make It Just Right. In my free time this week (which I have enjoyed immensely!) I decided to take a trip to B&N and enjoy reading something other than textbooks. It was between this book and the new Nicholas Sparks book, but I decided to try and improve my mind rather than add to the unrealistic expectations that are so prevalent in his novels’ storylines. I picked up the book and was hooked immediately. It contains real-life stories, advice and suggestions AND it is all backed by scripture. I am trying to pace myself so I can let the words of each chapter really sink in, but I can already tell this book is a winner.

It has become very evident to me that the root of my desire to be perfect is simply my need to try and earn love and even salvation through works. How foolish am I? God desires nothing from me but my heart. He just wants me. He just wants ME?

He.

Just.

Wants.

Me.

With all my flaws, failures, doubts, and disregard. Why is that simple truth so difficult to understand? And extend?

Father God, allow my life to be transformed by You. Help me to live in the truth daily that You are perfect and desire nothing more than for me to rest in that. I pray that you would become greater, and I would become less (John 3:30). Help me to not only accept your grace for myself but to extend it to others. Remind me that we are all Your children and You love us just the same.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8