Perfection
Perfection. What is it? You hear people talking about the “perfect” lasagna, the “perfect” chocolate cake, the “perfect” moment… but what does it mean? The lasagna that I think is perfect is too cheesy for someone else, the chocolate cake that one woman prefers is too dark for another, the moment that is perfect between two people may be too contrived for another couple- so what is perfection?
I’ve heard sermons where the pastor intoned “perfection is the goal we all strive for!” And it is true- we all strive to be perfect in God’s eyes. The irony there is that we all achieve it- that’s what Jesus died for. But perfecting ourselves- being perfect- isn’t it impossible? We are human, and by our human nature we are fallen. I believe that God’s breath in us makes us all divine as well. We are holy and broken. But can we ever, ever be perfect?
My father says, “strive for perfection and realize you will never achieve it.” Yikes. I can’t imagine striving my whole life for a goal that will always be out of reach. It seems so dissapointing. Yet we have no choice. We strive for perfection, and accept that which is simply good. It’s the same thing with lasagna, cake, and the perfect moment- we fiddle with the sauce for the lasagna, time and time again. Each time it’s “perfect”, perfect enough, but yet… and the cake, as well. We have the perfect recipe but yet we poke and prod, we suspect there is something better, something more perfect. We have so many moments with our lovers that seem so wonderful, unimaginable, perfect… yet we desire more. We continue to strive. We find ourselves dissatisfied.
I think the problem is that we don’t understand perfection. It is intangible to us. We imagine a lasagna that will be so delicious we’ll never want to eat again, a chocolate cake so rich it practically leaves us in orgasms, a moment between two people so perfect that it will be written in the stars and sung by minstrels for a millenia. We imagine these things, but on some level most of us understand that we must accept that which is simply good. Those who do not understand that go through life like hungry wolves, hunting down the next pleasure just to watch it fade away, believing there is something that would sate their desires if only they could find it.
I’ve found it. Want to know what it is? I have released the hope for perfection. I have learned gratefulness for what I now have. I have learned that perfection is not the ideal we’ve made it to be. There is no lasagna to end hunger, no chocolate cake of ultimate pleasure, no romance written on the sky- there is simply this life, the one we each live, the moments we can isolate and hold on to, a meal made with hands of love, shared among friends… It’s all perfection.
vanessaleighsblog replied:
The perfection is found in gratitude for the moment…. this post is as close to perfect in reflecting that as it could be….. thanks Lindsey, great message for the day for me!!!! V.
August 12, 2008 at 2:25 pm. Permalink.
e2tc replied:
I love this post, but it won’t keep me from my quest for the perfect chocolate bar, cake, etc. etc.
August 13, 2008 at 1:12 am. Permalink.
SanityFound replied:
Wow Lindsey that is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read, seriously this is just incredible! It is ultimately up to us how we define what perfection is. Now with regards to cakes, cookies and that pie you mentioned, well anything that makes my thighs happy is perfect with me *grins*
Absolutely incredible, hands down, one of my favorites by you so far!
August 13, 2008 at 11:20 am. Permalink.
mssc54 replied:
Lindsey you are such a gifted communicator at your key board. If you communicate as well verbally you have truely been blessed with a special gift.
As I understand divine perfection the price has been paid and there is nothing I can do to further that course. However, that does not give me the right or excuse to “beat other people up” whom I feel either don’t measure up to what I think is God’s will for their life or they believe differently etc. In fact, one may be able to make the arguement that if I do act in such a manner that perhaps my “divine perfection” is a false one. Being prideful and all.
As I read your post I couldn’t help but think about all the children who have become the victims of their mommy’s and dadd’s quest for that perfectly green pasture.
You are wise to have been able to find that place in your soul where perfection really has already been achieved.
YOur daughters are very fortunate to have you to look to for wisdome and guidance.
August 13, 2008 at 6:09 pm. Permalink.
Lindsey replied:
V: thanks!
e2c: *lol* Every girl has a mission, huh? Hope you find that chocolate!
SanityFound: aw, thanks, hun!
Mssc54: Thanks. And I think you’ve hit the nail on the head when it comes to false perfection. When we boast of it as if we are somehow responsible for our salvation (or in this case, perfection), we’re fooling no one but ourselves.
August 13, 2008 at 11:15 pm. Permalink.
Amber replied:
Absolutely beautiful…. great thinking. You are right on so many levels. Damn though now Im hungry.
You are so far ahead of the game honey. Took me till I was 30 and got sick to release Perfection from my life. I realized I couldn’t be perfect any more… dang. My life is so much better for not being perfect. If something drops on the floor.. well… has to wait till the housekeeper can pick it up. I can’t do it. God, is the only one to judge us. Being ok..is good enough.
August 14, 2008 at 1:15 am. Permalink.