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.

The Wind

The wind blows seemingly aimless. It brushes by, whirls around and sifts through using its objects as instruments with which it plays a customized composition. It sings differently though the pines than through the aspen groves; differently again through the rain than through the prairie grasses. It howls as it echoes against impenetrable granite and rushes madly as it is channeled through a narrow canyon. Oh the delicious, sparkling breeze which carries the ocean’s mists! How subtle the whooshing sound as it lifts the soaring eagle up upon its back!

There are times when the wind is ruthless. The shriek of the hurricane has power to tear apart in mighty gusts; a sharp contrast to the melody of a mild spring day suspending on its breath the delicate Painted Lady butterfly! It is often warm and comforting, sometimes frigid and sobering, never predictable, but always singing the appropriate song for the season, though it may sometimes seem to us out of sorts.

So it is with the Spirit. He plays skillfully through each unique soul the composition, perfectly accompanying the story the Master orchestrates in the lives of His instruments.

Oh Mighty Wind of God, train me to listen for the unique composition you sing through not only my own soul but the beautiful souls of those you place near me. May you create a pleasing harmony for Your pleasure as I brush up against the other instruments in your great symphony; though it may at times sound to my ear discordant. May you grant me an attentive heart yearning to savor the song, be it barely breezing or wildly whistling. Gift me with patience for prolonged periods of silence. Keep me penetrable that I may rustle like an Aspen rather than echo like a boulder. Grant me sensitivity to your constant whirring over, around and through the happenings of living. May my ear be ever pricked anticipating Your song as spontaneous and evergreen as the wind through the Pines.

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
John 3:8