There was a day when I felt a supernatural peace. I was patient with my clients, my kids, and my husband. I practiced active listening and had deep conversations with friends and loved ones. I was not judgmental and when someone hurt my feelings, I didn’t overreact. I was patient and we discussed everything thoroughly. It was an amazing day.
It didn’t last long.
The next day I dealt with a barrage of complaints at work. A friend snapped at me, and I immediately snapped back. My kids and I argued. Even my husband and I clashed. I stood looking at the wreckage of a day and wondered what had gone wrong.
After some self-care*, I took my days to God. I realized when I described my bad day how my inner critic lashed out. I was stupid, impatient, imperfect. I realized my inner critic was relentless since I woke up. I practiced some self-compassion and told myself how there will always be bad days. I do not have to be perfect. I felt God’s peace again for a moment. I became grateful for God’s grace. Another day arrived to try again.
It’s not always easy to live in Jesus’ righteousness. We see ourselves through a distorted mirror. God knows our imperfections, our egos, our hearts. Through God’s grace and love, we see our image in God’s likeness.
The power of God is visible through our actions. As Christ’s ambassadors, the hands and feet of God, we try to make the world a better place. We do the best we can. Allow God to take care of the rest.
Brené Brown reminds us in her book, The Gifts of Imperfection: “Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning and purpose to our lives.”
Perfection isn’t a requirement. We know we will make mistakes even as we have good intentions. We can connect to the power of God even as we are imperfect. God finds us wherever we are. And God loves us in the midst of our imperfections. God knows our heart. That is the goodness of grace.
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(*It’s important to remember whenever you have a rough day to practice some self-care. Do something you enjoy. For me, I will meet up with friends, or watch a favorite feel-good comedy, TV show, or pick up a book for some light, fun reading. When I’m lacking in time, I will look up a comedian and watch for a few minutes or read a few jokes.)
“I don’t have to be perfect. All I have to do is show up and enjoy the messy, imperfect and beautiful journey of my life.”
Kerry Washington
“O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we will be saved, in quietness and confidence will be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
In Thought, Word & Deed 
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