Blissfully Imperfect

Tonight I was meeting with what my church calls a small group. My small group is comprised only of women, ages raging all over the place. My daughter provides the childcare in a separate room while we meet and typically we discuss the previous Sunday's sermon. Tonight was different, though. Tonight the conversation naturally drifted. We talked about some very personal issues, bumps in the road so to speak, involving our children. It reminded me very much of a saying that our pastor uses and even had printed on t-shirts for our congregation: "No Perfect People Allowed."

Really, honestly, how many people go to work, church, playgroup, school, pretending to lead picture perfect lives? But nobody's life is without obstacles. We don't help ourselves by pretending these imperfections don't exist because we deny ourselves an outlet and a support system. Believe me, I know. I've been there. I used to be one of the pretenders. I used to go to a church where everyone pretended. I used to go to work and here everyone whisper about the person who was honest about a problem in their life. Everyone else just pointed fingers and gasped, pretending their lives were cookie cutter perfect. In reality, everyone who was whispering was just afraid of being whispered about!

Let me just tell you...I have an absurd schedule, some serious financial situations, a child who tests every boundary, a child in counseling, and a child who is only alive by the grace of a God who heard my prayers because that child did everything in his power to stay in danger for two straight years. My marriage is not perfect, I have too many pets, and I put excessive expectations on myself most days. I try to remember to give my worries to God, but sometimes I let them make me grumpy and stressed because I am not a perfect Christian. In fact, this blog was started by me and for me so that I could share all the ways that I want to be a better mom, wife, Christian, friend, daughter, etc. Why? Because I know I'm not perfect! There is always room for improvement! 

The important message I am trying to make here is that we don't have to stumble over every bump in the road. If we stop trying to be perfect and look perfect, we can admit that we need help when we need it. We can reach out to others and they will help us over that bump. If you know a lot of "perfect people", try being the first to admit that you aren't. Instead of talking about someone who is struggling, instead of feeling sorry for them, try talking to them. Let them know that you've been down and out at some point too! Lift them up and be there for them! Strive to become blissfully imperfect, embrace your imperfection, shout it from the rooftops! You might be surprised at how many people you know who are struggling with the same issues you are and as soon as you open up, they will too!