Grace for the Perfectionist, Post #41

July 29, 2014

Grace for the Perfectionist, Post #41

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 NIV84.

What a relief! Just put your heart and passion into all we do. May we not be half-hearted.

One of my favorite verses is five words: “She did what she could…” Mark 14:8a NIV84. 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 NIV84.

–“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 NIV84

Resource:

Check out NY Times Bestselling Author and my personal friend Lysa TerKeurst’s new book coming out in August–The Best Yes. Pre-order now at http://thebestyes.com.

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.

July 15, 2014

Be Strong and Courageous, Post #39

What are you facing today? Are you overwhelmed? Each one of us is facing something huge in our lives. Today, may you be en-COURAGED to be strong and courageous.

I was just reading the Bible story about Joshua this morning and have thought about it ever since. In Joshua 1, Moses had just passed away. Joshua, one of his chosen leaders, had been called to cross the Jordan River with the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua was nervous, really more of a “chicken,” about this assignment. God gave him a wonderful pep talk.

“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:6-7, 9 NIV84

Don’t you just want to lift your chin up, pull your shoulders back, and stand up straighter when you read that passage? I do! Today, just keep repeating, “Be strong and courageous” as a breath prayer. “Be strong and courageous.” “Be strong and courageous.” “Be strong and courageous.” Don’t you feel better?

Whatever you are facing today, remember you are invincible. There’s no way we can mess up God’s plan. Be strong and VERY courageous. Go get ’em, tiger!

Reflect:

–What is the last experience where you felt nervous to face something or someone? Please comment.

–How do you/did you feel after repeating “Be strong and courageous” as a breath prayer? Please comment.

Renew:

–“Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.” –Ezra 10:4 NIV84

–“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” –1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV84

Recharge:

–How will you respond differently this week when facing a battle or something huge? Please comment.

June 17, 2014

Honoring Dads, Post #35

As this past Sunday was Father’s Day, please forgive me for not sending a blog post honoring our Dads prior to their day. It’s hard to believe my Dad passed away from colon cancer 10 years ago this year. I pray you gave your Dad and the Dad-like men in your life encouragement like we did for Mother’s Day.

It would be an honor to tell you some of the many ways my Dad impacted my life. For so many years our relationship was strained, as my parents divorced after 37 years of marriage. The Lord helped heal our relationship. I know my Dad loved me the best way he knew how.

Here’s to you, Dad, just a few of your lessons for which I am thankful:

Thank you, Dad, for teaching me how to check the oil dipstick in my old car, so that I never messed up my engine or blew my transmission. That car I drove in high school, Awesomobile, burnt a quart of oil every 200 or so miles. I loved that car and am grateful that I had it.
Thank you, Dad, for providing for all my needs and many of my wants. We were blessed with a nice house, plenty of food to eat, plenty of clothes and shoes, and you even paid for my wonderful out-of-state college education. It was such a gift not to have to pay back college loans.
Thank you, Dad, for teaching me to appreciate the outdoors and fishing. You even taught me to cast a fishing rod and how to bait my own hooks—I wasn’t squeamish about the worms and minnows most of the time.
Thank you, Dad, for taking us to church every time the door was open. Your dedication to the Lord and His Word helped mold my faith.
Thank you, Dad, for teaching me how to budget my money and spend wisely. I remember how you paid bills promptly and taught me how to abhor debt. I still to this day try to avoid debt, except for my mortgages.
Thank you, Dad, for teaching me a strong work ethic. You worked hard at Delta Air Lines for 33 years before you retired. You liked to finish tasks you started and showed me follow through and doing what you said you would do.
Thank you, Dad, for showing me to volunteer in the community and help others behind-the-scenes. You used to mow and weedeat the end of our street where no one would mow. You also mowed around the Turkey Creek bridge in Hanahan where you would walk daily. You thought no one knew. We knew and appreciated your quiet good deeds.
Thank you, Dad, for trying to come to many of my basketball and volleyball games. Your presence was such a present.

Dad, I pray you can see from heaven I’m trying to carry on the Jordan legacy. Rest assured that I love my Heavenly Father, my Abba, with my whole soul. Thank you for loving me, Dad.

Reflect:

–What are some ways you are thankful for your earthly father? Please comment.

–How will you strengthen your relationship with him.

Renew:

–“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” –Exodus 20:12 NIV84

–“Listen to your father, who gave you life…” –Proverbs 23:22a NIV84

–“The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. May your father and mother be glad…” –Proverbs 23:24-25a NIV84

Recharge:

–What is something you did on Father’s Day or can do this week to honor your Dad?

–If your relationship with your father is strained, please prayerfully consider reaching out and forgiving him. I reached out years ago, and it was such a relief to our hearts.