Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Unattainable Perfection

We stare at the mirror. Our eyes flick back to the pictures in our minds - Oh, we all have them on those days; the pictures of what "beautiful" looks like.  Yours may have pigtails, or curls, or straight, sweeping locks...it may have freckles and sparkling, blue eyes, it may have a cute little nose and black, mischevious pools of sparkle, it may have brown, inquisitive, soft eyes with a small bow of a smile... but whatever it is, on (what seems like) most days, we never seem to have it.

The reflections that stare back at us have clothes that just don't look as cute as "Susie's", shoes that are just hum-drum, a waist that's five-billion inches wider than we want it to be, hair that sings "I'll fly away" as it stands up on tip-toe all over our heads.... you get the idea. ;)

But there are other things, too - you know what they are. (Skills that just aren't as good as so-and-so's, a voice that seems too deep to be ladylike, etc.)

We have our little pictures of "perfect." And we can't ever seem to achieve them.

As I searched and searched for a way to encourage all ladies (young and old, both) on this subject, a few verses of scripture popped up. They fit our needs very well here, so I'd like to share them with you.

20 "Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said," Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, "Lord, and what shall this man do?" 22 Jesus saith unto him, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me."

Wow. It's so simple.

"What is that to thee? Follow thou me."

So many times, when I've gotten all wound up about looking oh-so-much-worse than so-and-so, this message has come up. "It doesn't matter. Follow me."

It's so true. God didn't make all of us to look just like (enter the name of somebody who is beautiful) or be good at the same things that (enter the name of someone who's practically perfect in every craft, subject in school, sport and activity) is good at. He didn't need three eyes for the body (though they are beautiful), He needs a thumb and a toenail and an eyelash as well.

Remember that He sees what counts and ask Him to help you with what really needs to change - because I'm definitely not saying that you're perfect; we all still make mistakes and have room to grow! But keep in mind that your "big nose" or "big feet" or "naturally large waistline" are things that you can't control and that the clay ought not to say to the potter "Why hast thou made me thus?" The potter sees the master plan.

So remember: when you feel inferior or ugly or totally old fashioned or, whatever it is that you struggle with - God makes all things work together for good to those who love God; to them that are called according to his purpose and He wants you to follow Him as he shapes and molds you into true beauty.

Here's one of my favorite verses for you to hang onto: "Favour is decietful and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth the LORD; she shall be praised."

I pray this helps somebody - I know that we all struggle with this at times.

1 comment:

Judy said...

Great post. I can totally relate when it comes to the skills.It can really get discouraging and frustrating when it seems everyone around you knows much more than you do and you can't seem to catch up.But it's amazing to know that I am still "fearfully and wonderfully made" even though I have to be reminded of it every now and then.I've come to learn that trusting in the Lord is the most important thing in life.
Keep up the good work! :)