Everyday Imperfect

We are diving into finding freedom from perfectionism - or as I’ve called it, “Breaking Perfect”. As I’ve learned to give up the chains of perfectionism in my personal and professional life, I had to dig deep and find out why it matters so much that the things I do or put my name to are “perfect”. (Now, remember, I’m not talking about doing things with excellence…I’m talking about being so consumed with leaving no room for mistakes that it doesn’t get done.) At this point in my life, I know myself well enough (thanks to the Lord, and to countless personality quizzes and tests) that I know there’s a big part of me that still looks for acceptance and validation from others. It doesn’t matter who the “others” are. I want them to like me and say I did a good job, and never have a bad thing to say about me. As a grown woman, that can be a tricky trait to deal with. As a pastor’s wife, it can be downright detrimental. My mind knows that I will never be everything to everyone. There will neve...

  Something I’ve learned about myself over the years is that my perfectionism can be a good thing…but if I’m being honest, I’d really consider it a “bad” thing most days. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m the firstborn, or because of other parts of my personality, but I do know that there is a big part of me that struggles to make everything I do absolutely perfect - or as close as I can get it. And yes, when I say “struggle”, I mean there have been struggles my perfectionism has caused. Now, just to be clear, I’m not talking about doing things with excellence. (I had a Bible College professor who once said Christians should be the best workers in their workplace, simply because they represent Christ, and I totally agree!) I’m not talking about doing what we do as well as we can. I’m talking about the false belief that everything we do has to be done SO well - and so perfect - that no one could ever find fault with it. That every aspect of it has to be so good that no one else could...

        A couple weeks ago, we had a special service at our church.  Usually, the kids would go into their own class or kids church, but my husband felt strongly about allowing the usual kids leaders time to be with the other adults for this special service, so guess who was volunteered to be with the kids?      Actually, I'm not even sure if my husband volunteered me, or if I volunteered myself, or if it was just understood that I would do it... it just happened, and I was totally ok with it.       At least until the day before the midweek service.  I knew what I'd be teaching on, I had my outline, my game, an activity, a back-up activity in case I needed it, AND a song to start out with.  But despite all that, I started getting soooooo anxious about it.     It has been YEARS since I've taught littles at church.  I was a youth leader by myself for a while about ten years ago....before that I taught a Sunday...