Perfect Smerfect

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the word perfect.  That elusive and frustrating (goal) that lets us know we don't measure up. The other morning I was remembering my quest to be the perfect wife and mom, and not making it.  I was chuckling over some of my attempts. 

*Dean loves corn beef hash.  I, on the other hand, think it's one of the more disgusting foods out there.  Early in our marriage I tried making it for him, it's what you're supposed to do. I would tie a towel around my face and gag my way through it.  If we had a face mask, that bad-boy would have been on!  That didn't last long...he's on his own!  
*The same goes for Oatmeal, can't stand the stuff.  I know, I know it's so good for you.  Can't! Do! It!  As a missionary that was the only food I turned down, a mortal no-no. That's saying something with things like Flying Fish Sandwiches ~ whole fish on a bun (with eyes looking at me) and the-goat-is-missing-and-we're-having-stew-for-dinner!?! ficaso.  I was doing the dance of joy when each of my kids didn't like it, the one and only time I tried feeding it to them.
*Then there's the throwing up thing. Not pretty, people!  When they were younger I would do my best not to push them out of the way and join them over the toilet.  Now, that they're older I stand by the door and check in, gagging and covering my nose...and sending Dean in.  
*Ironing! Hate it! I would iron all of Dean's shirts for church.  One morning, in the midst of kids, breakfast and not losing my Christianity as I tried to get to church, I had a revelation.  The heavens opened and there were angels singing.  I finished in record time!  As Deano was headed out the door, leaving me in the chaos, I told him not to take his jacket off (yes, suit jackets used to be worn in church) because I only ironed the front, the collar and cuffs! Yup! Wife Win!  He eventually got too hot for this arrangement and has since ironed all his shirts...another win!  Not to mention, he doesn't wear suit jackets to church anymore.  That's a win for Dean.

The list goes on, and can include every area of my life, not just those two.  Then there's scripture like Matthew 5:48 "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."  Yeah, no pressure!  I can't even handle mundane things like laundry and cooking. 

 In the previous verses He is talking about loving your enemies and loving them as God loves you.  I have heard that verse used often outside of that context.  The definition of perfect in this verse is: completion; brought to its end; finished; mature.  

I also like the Message translation: "In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." 

I really like the last two sentences.  It's not about being the perfect mom or wife, or having the perfect house, car, body, clothes etc.  It's not about acting like a perfect Christian but about being mature and sincere.  It's about living and loving authentically, generously and graciously.  It's about allowing God to finish making us into His image. Complete. Whole.

I pray that we will accept God's unconditional love and grace and live that out every day.

I would love to hear some of your stories...

Have a fab day!
xo ~ Jodi

P.S. I would like to thank Deano and my kids for allowing me the freedom to mess up and try again! xoxo