The Desire for Perfection

If we were not created for perfection, why do we desire it? If there is no perfection somewhere beyond this life why do we so want the perfect job, house, family? Why does illness and death feel so unnatural? Why is saying goodbye so hard? Why do we long to be loved deeply and why is it so painful when those we love hurt us? Why do we continue to search for the next big thrill, the ultimate adventure? Why must we always have something to look forward to? Why do we continue to write Cinderella stories and wish for happily ever after? Why does blatant evil infuriate us and make us burn for justice? Why do we seek out heroes, and dare to hope in someone we see as better or stronger than ourselves? Why do we look down on those who do not live up to our own ideals? Why do we have ideals at all? Why, even when things seem as close to perfect as possible, is it still not quite enough?

“He has made everything beautiful its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

“For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.”
Romans 8:20, 21

“Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
2Corinthians 5:2-5

“For now we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the imperfect disappears…Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
1Corinthians 13:9, 10, 12

How does the hope of perfection effect the way I live my life?

Dear Perfection, may your promise of a perfect eternity grant me peace, rest and patience as I wade through this imperfect world. Give me grace for myself and those around me, knowing we will someday be whole. May I never live in fear of what we may have to live without or live through. May I have the grace to delight in my earthly blessings as glimpses of what is to come and not be determined to hold onto them for dear life. The greatest things in the world, the most beautiful places and well written fairytales cannot compare with what you have prepared for me in heaven. One day, you will make all things perfect... forever. Amazing.