by Laura Passard Yurko
Inspired by the line in the gospel last Sunday "So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48) we had a lively discussion on what it means to be "perfect" in our society. We all agreed that the standard of perfection, or flawlessness, that we put on ourselves as women and mothers is an incredible burden. We talked about the seemingly perfect lives of our Facebook friends - traveling around the world, preparing and eating fantastic meals, or having children who are able to pose perfectly for a photo. But, is it even possible for anyone to be perfect? We are human after all and we make mistakes and in those mistakes we learn and grow. I've never had a problem with that concept, but continue to feel bad when I compare my life to others (a no-no, I know!) or to a very high internal standard. Fortunately, we used the Bringing Home the Word guide from our SFG and found a different definition of the word "perfect" which seems much more attainable: "whole and complete". Working towards feeling whole and complete seems a heck of a lot more manageable than being flawless. Why, I dare say, I've actually felt whole and complete several times in my life. And, quite frankly, if I strip away all the noise, the images, the (sometimes imaginary) pressure from outside and I focus on the love of my family, the strength that I feel inside, or all of the many, many ways I am supported I feel whole and complete most of the time. Even if my dinners aren't spectacular, my child doesn't get themed bento box lunches, my house is a mess and most of the time so am I, it doesn't make me or my life any less perfect. Here are a few inspiring and/or funny links to consider the next time you look at your life and think it's not "perfect": "The Power of Cropping" from Clean: LuSa Organics blog "Cropping out the Sad" from Portlandia Short Version Long Version Reasons my Son is Crying (take comfort in knowing yours isn't the only child losing it for no reason) "A happier family life in 8 steps" Real Simple Magazine (I prefer to call this one: 8 ways to cut yourself some slack) And a book recommended by one of our Moms: No More Perfect Moms: Learn to Love Your Real Life by Jill Savage
1 Comment
Ruby
3/1/2014 09:21:31 am
This write-up touched me deeply. I so needed to experience these words & sentiments today. Thank you, Amy & Laura, for the narrative ... and Christy (?) for tweeting it. The timing was impeccable (God's timing always is). I'm officially 'cropping' today out of the bigger picture, not for show but for my own sense of wholeness, completeness, & growth! Much thanks! =)
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