Perfection

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Last night we went to an engagement party. It was a lovely event: The fiances dressed to the nines as did all the family and friends who showed up there to party. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing everyone in attendance.

As usual, my mind drifted off to a philosophical place. Why is it that we try so hard to impress people with our clothing and grooming? On special occasions like this, I chuckle to think that a lot of what drives our efforts is the fear of rejection by others. It is as if we somehow demand an unattainable level of perfection from each other. Yet the Perfect One who created the heavens and the earth is much more forgiving. He looks down at us and receives our best, imperfect efforts - even delighting in them as they reflect authentic relationship.

So to recap, we imperfect beings demand perfection from one another. But the Perfect God is pleased with our best, though imperfect, efforts.

I think we might be too hard on ourselves, and certainly on each other.

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