Another letter to myself: imperfect

Life isn't perfect. I'm not perfect. And that's okay. No breathing human being is perfect. I don't think there is such a thing as real perfection other than Jesus Himself. But isn't that what we all are striving for? A perfect life, a perfect self? Why is there that need/want for perfection? Now there's a difference between striving for perfection or doing your total best and putting your best foot forward. The prior is not realistic but the latter is. 

When striving for perfection, you will always be disappointed, because some things in life, you can't control. Actually most things in life you can't. Do your best in the things you can, but don't be bound by perfection. 

Now, if everything was perfect and there were no hiccups in life, or in us, why would we need God? God doesn't just simply give us perfect lives, because what would be the point? We would take Him for granted, we wouldn't have to work for anything, and we wouldn't have to lean on Him in hard times, because we wouldn't have them. How could we be thankful for good without the bad?

I believe we get this weird idea in our head that God is punishing us when life gets tough. But I don't think he is. I believe those times are opportunities to get closer to Him. That is if we choose to lean on Him and trust in Him. Rough times and situations give us stories, they give us perspective, and they give us lessons. They can help us relate to others and understand each other. Even though you may feel you are alone and the only one who has gone through a certain situation or struggle, you aren't. Never believe that lie. Most likely, there are hundreds if not thousands of people who have went through something at least similar. That doesn't make yours any less important. It shows that you aren't alone and that somewhere out there, people understand. 

That can be the hardest, thinking that no matter how much you explain your situation to someone, they won't understand. And they probably won't truly unless they went through the same thing. But you know who understands every situation or struggle you or even your neighbor have gone through? It might sound obvious but, Jesus. He's with you at all times. He sees and hears everything that happens to you or that's going through your head. He knows your perspective and understands it.

 I often forget that.

I will never have the perfect words, the perfect life, the perfect body, or be the perfect Christian. All I can do is be my best and ask God to help me with that. It's simple, but not easy.

I've decided to stop chasing perfection and simply chase after what God wants for my life. Even if I may not know what that is yet. 

-Cat