Perfection Not Required
How often we sacrifice peace when the pressure is on! We require a lot of ourselves most days.
Other days we have a serious case of the “don’t cares and can’t help its.” To be honest, we should probably break that phrase into two parts because “don’t cares” might indicate a hardened heart while “can’t help its” often reflect simple human weariness.
Wisdom—and grace—help us recognize the difference, both in ourselves and in others. A weary heart may need rest and encouragement more than a lecture. We have a saying in our family: “If you think everybody is mad at you, you need a snack. If you’re mad at everybody else, you need a nap.” This actually works!
Colossians 4:6 reminds us, “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt.” Maybe try sea salt caramel for that snack we were talking about. Graceful living is speaking with kindness even when tired. It’s living intentionally rather than reactively. It’s reflecting Christ in ordinary moments. It shows in the way we answer the phone, how we greet our family, and how we handle interruptions.
Imagine preparing for guests. Usually you smooth the tablecloth, straighten the centerpiece, and light a candle. But one week you're exhausted. You throw the wrinkled tablecloth on the table and think, “That’s good enough.” We've all had moments like that, though we may not always admit it. The encouraging truth is that God's grace meets us there—not to leave us in that frame of mind, but to restore us.
Remember Mary and Martha? Martha was cumbered about much serving, trying to pull things together to feed Jesus and a bunch of hungry men (aka disciples) and complained to Jesus that Mary needed to get up and help her. Jesus gave Martha a gentle rebuke, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).
Grace doesn't demand perfection, but it does gently ask, "Have you lost your joy, or are you simply weary?" There’s a difference. The Lord is gracious. He doesn’t scold His weary servants. He issues an invitation, “Come unto me . . . and I will give you rest.” Sit at His feet for a while every morning, and you’ll find the strength you need to get up and work for Him. Perfection not required.
