Grace For The Perfectionist, Post #12

January 21, 2014

Grace For The Perfectionist, Post #12

What do you think is the difference between perfection, striving for excellence, and doing your best? If you’re like me, that question sure makes you scratch your head.

When I was a little girl, I organized all my crayons by the rainbow-color acronym name—remember it? R-O-Y- G- B-I-V (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet). I kept them organized, even if it was a box of 64 crayons. I also colored inside the lines. I was a born perfectionist.

Bless my sweet parents. I was harder on myself than they ever were on me.

All these years later, I still struggle with perfectionism in some areas of my life. But who holds the measuring stick to decide what “perfect” is? Your “perfect” is different from my “perfect.” The only true measuring stick for perfection is Jesus, and nowhere this side of heaven will I, will we reach the beautiful perfection of Jesus.

I remember one role model in my career taught me this pithy poem:

Good, better, best, And may we never rest,

Until our good is better, And our better, best.

That’s when it hit me: my best is not perfection. And that’s OK.

When I get up in each morning, every fiber of my being strives for excellence.

Then life happens…

traffic is at a standstill, and I’m late for work;

a long-anticipated meeting is rescheduled at the last minute;

miscommunication occurs with a loved one;

reality falls short of expectations.

Where is my heart in all of this? Then I read: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” –Colossians 3:23 (NIV 1984). What a relief! Just put your heart and passion into all we do. May we not not be half-hearted.

One of my favorite verses is five words: “She did what she could…” Mark 14:8a (NIV, 1984). Don’t you love it? Maybe I should have that on my epitaph! What grace! It sure makes me exhale.

To set up the scene, Jesus was visiting the home of Simon the Leper. Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, brought in an expensive alabaster jar full of pure nard, which is costly perfume. She took it, broke it, and poured it all on Jesus. Some of Jesus’ disciples ridiculed her for wasting more than a year’s wages of perfume on Jesus instead of giving it to the poor. Jesus told them to leave her alone and said it was a beautiful thing that she did. He told them He would not always be around and this poured perfume was preparing him for his burial. Jesus was trying to tell them he would soon die.

Mary did what she could. It may not have been “perfect” or even “excellent” in the sight of the disciples. She gave it her all.

Dear friends, do you struggle with not getting everything done on your checklist? Keep doing your best, and react with grace knowing obstacles will come into your divine path. Be encouraged. You are making a difference. Relax. Breathe deeply. Hold it. Exhale. Smile. His grace is sufficient for you and for me. Feel free to color outside the lines sometimes.

Reflect:

–What are some ways you are a recovering perfectionist like me? Please comment.

–-What grace can you give yourself or a loved one who struggles with perfectionism?

–How can you make sure your heart is in all your work? Please leave a comment and let me know.

Renew:

–“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” –2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV 1984)

–“Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” –2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV 1984).

–“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” –Galatians 1:10 (NIV 1984)

PS. Today is also a great day to print out my “Creating Your Personal Mission Statement Template,” which is free by simply adding your email address and subscribing to this little leap-of-faith “Pure Inspiration” blog.

My personal mission statement is “Shine,” based on Matthew 5:16.

January 7, 2014

Drops of Encouragement, Post #10

Happy First Transformational Tuesday of 2014! Today I offer you two questions to ponder: Who was the last person who encouraged you? Who have you encouraged?

I am one who forges ahead and doesn’t claim sickness. I am embarrassed to tell you I felt under the weather right after Christmas. OK, I was as sick as a dog—fever, achy, coughing, sneezy; my eyes even hurt. I went to the doctor and started taking some great antibiotics. It was a wonderful way for God to slow me down. I read and wrote and read.

I bought an economy-sized bag of Hall’s cough drops and found a pleasant surprise. As I was about to throw away my Hall’s wrapper, I noticed the words “A Pep Talk in Every Drop” and the following:

“Don’t waste a precious minute.”
“You’ve survived tougher.”
“Don’t give up on yourself.”
“The show must go on.”

I smiled. I even felt better! What brilliant marketing! What wonderful encouragement! I’m so proud of Hall’s. I will buy Hall’s cough drops just for this reason. (By the way, I feel 200% better, back to my energetic self).

If a simple cough drop wrapper can make me smile and encourage me, imagine what encouragement precious you can offer someone, even to a stranger.

Encouragement is such a gift. It is even considered to be a “spiritual gift.” See below from Romans 12. A man in the Bible named Barnabas had a knack for encouraging people. In fact, his name means “Son of Encouragement.” (Acts 4:36).

Have you considered smiling at the Target cashier and asking how she is?

Have you thanked your mom and dad for raising you well and sacrificing so much for you?

How about complimenting the lady in the Chick-Fil-A with the well behaved children?

Or what about telling the adorable little, elderly lady in the elevator how beautiful her scarf is?

It might be the only positive reinforcement or encouragement he/she may get today. Today is your day to encourage, to be a Barnabas. Be encouraged, friend.

Reflect:

–What is a recent example of someone who encouraged you or who you encouraged? Please comment below.

–How did that encouragement make you feel? Please comment below.

Renew:

–“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others; let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him to it cheerfully. “ –Romans 12: 6-8.

–“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” –Romans 15:5

–“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” –1 Thessalonians 5:11

PS. Happy, Shiny New Year! Today is also a great day to print out my “Creating Your Personal Mission Statement Template,” which is free by simply adding your email address and subscribing to my weekly blog. My personal mission statement is “Shine,” based on Matthew 5;16.

December 31, 2013

Leading From The Booth: Thoughts on New Year’s Solutions, Post #9

Today is the last day of the year–it can be monumental or easily rushed to get to the midnight party. Why is it monumental?

I love the last day of the year to go out on my back patio and recap in my journal the highlights of this year. Then and only then do I start writing a few New Year’s “Solutions.” Isn’t it funny that the word “resolution” is “re-solution,” as if we need a solution do over?

I encourage you to reflect today, to look back and pat yourself on the back for all that was accomplished through you this year. Sure, you didn’t get done all that you wanted to get done. Who does? Before you tell yourself all the things you want to improve and change in 2014, please ponder on the many good, no, GREAT things about yourself. Can you remember all the great things that wouldn’t have gotten done if not for you?

Remember that you influence the world around you.

Enter Eddie.

Eddie is the parking lot attendant at my work’s medical office building. His “office” is a tiny booth, perhaps five feet long by three feet wide by. Eddie is one of the most positive, passionate, influential servant leaders I know.

Eddie loves his job. How could a parking lot attendant love his job? I intentionally observe him in action. He waves at everyone. He smiles. He calmly answers questions asked by nervous patients and eases their spirits. He ensures parking spaces are available to accommodate those who need them.

Every morning, without fail, as I turn in from the street, pass Eddie’s booth to drive into the employee parking garage, Eddie spots my car, comes out of his little booth, waves frantically and blows kisses. He makes my day.

Just the other day, guess what I saw? Bird feeders in the little tree across from Eddie’s booth. Eddie purchased hanging bird feeders and bird food to make the birds happy AND improve his environment even more!

Eddie is happily married and brags on his wife and marriage every chance he gets, so his gestures and affection are totally innocent. He exudes the love of Christ.

This summer I was walking to a meeting, and I passed Eddie’s booth. He came out to ask how I was. I noticed my 2012 Christmas card was hanging in his little booth wall, along with others. He has made his space inspiring, made his walls talk. Just the other day I looked in his booth. He’s added this year’s Christmas cards to last year’s.

Eddie inspires my heart and challenges me to be better. Instead of thinking about changing your work, your home, change your attitude about your work, your home, your environment. Add “bird feeders” near your booth. Make the walls of your work inspire you; make them “talk.”

Smile. Wave. Blow kisses. Be the calming force to nervous spirits. Make someone’s day. Be like Eddie.

As you reflect on this year and prepare to write your New Year’s Solutions, think of Eddie.

PS. Today is also a great day to print out my “Creating Your Personal Mission Statement Template,” which is free, by simply adding your email address and subscribing to my weekly blog.

My personal mission statement is “Shine,” based on Matthew 5:16.

Reflect:

–As we excitedly and expectantly welcome the blank pages of a new year, what are three highlights of yours this past year?

–How will you be more like Eddie ?

Renew:

-“I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw.” –Proverbs 24: 32

-“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” –Proverbs 27:17

-“As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.” –Proverbs 27:19

-“Then the Lord replied: ‘Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.’” –Habakkuk 2:2,3

Recharge:

–What is your personal mission statement? Please let me know.

–What are three ways you can improve your work, your home, your “booth?” Please comment below.