Imperfections

My own thoughts (for once):

As a former self-labeled "perfectionist", I am recently learning to appreciate all of the imperfections in life...

The lights on the Christmas tree that aren't perfectly distributed.

The branches of that same tree that have noticeable "holes" or "gaps".

The typo on the laminated prayer card from the ladies' group that I chose to hold on to instead of trading it in for a corrected one.

The incorrect year on the birthday list for the missionary family at church, noticed because two of the kids' dates both say 2015 but they're not twins. Being able not to be so quick to point that out to the thoughtful person who put that together.

The slight slope on the back of a beautiful child's head who is oh-so-perfect in every other way.

Hanging the decorations on the porch randomly on purpose so I don't fret about keeping it all "even".

Not being so OCD about how I "speak my truth" when what's important is just saying it even if the person takes it the wrong way initially or gets mad. It doesn't mean that I don't love them. 

Focusing on my eyes instead of the under-eye circles.

Not fretting over all of the things that could be done/redone at home and being content when things just work or aren't leaking.

Appreciating my age and all that comes along with that instead of wishing I was younger. 

Being thankful that I have what I need for today and not worrying about next week or next month.

Not being so quick to defend myself when I'm misunderstood.

This is real life. It's full of imperfections no matter how hard we try. Peace comes when we learn to embrace that. We need to get used to things not going the way we want them to, knowing that God's way is always the best way whether we understand it now or not. He's got us!