Well here we are---Christmas is once again staring us in the face-one month and counting. There is a part of me staring back in dread. Christmas can be an invitation to once again go into project overload. As if I was not already staring at a cornucopia of unfinished projects, I will have to try really - really hard to not get caught up in all the hype. The world tries to convince us if we do not have the perfectly decorated home--inside and out; the perfect gift wrapped in the perfect innovative manner; the perfect calendar of activities leading up to the big day; the perfect meal on the lavishly prepared table; and the perfect family exuding joy at being together--I FAILED---ONCE AGAIN! It can absolutely overwhelm and depress all the Martha Stewart wanna-be.
Here is the thing about being a Martha Stewart---I recently watched as much of the documentary on her as I could stomach and came away with a new understanding of where that can lead. She is a HOT MESS---and that is as kind as I can be. The goal of perfectionism has led her down the primrose path to bitterness, self-delusion, and what seems to be a healthy dose of narcissism laced with anger. She is NOT a happy --peace-filled-joyful person. With all the wealth, with the seemingly perfect life, with everything always completed and finished with a flourish---she has driven herself to the illusion of always being perfect. GOOD LUCK WITH STRIVING FOR PERFECTION, PEOPLE. I would not trade places with her for all the tea in China. Perfection is elusive and temporary-AT BEST!
SO- as for me---instead of strewing more less than complete projects in my path---I will remember my own wise words--- IT IS ONLY A DAY! There is no one to hold my feet to the fire--but me. Hopefully I can not just step on my own toes, but stomp them if I begin to go down that slippery slope of thinking the accoutrements are necessary to make it all Hallmark perfect. Hopefully I can do what I really enjoy and can complete without frustration. Instead of worrying about how it all looks--I can step back and enjoy the process---those who are important to me---and upmost--the reason for all the fuss. I MUST maintain focus on the reason for the season! Pray for me---as I pray for you to center our focus on His Birth.
"I pray that God,
Who gives you hope,
will bless you
with complete happiness and peace
because of your faith."
Romans 15:13 (CEV)
So many complications for us this holiday season are making things harder than they should be. The last thing I want to do is demand more of any illusion of perfection in our home or elsewhere. Who says we have to be a Martha Stewart in order to have a great Christmas? Jesus loves us in spite of the hot messes we are. Blessings, Lulu, and thanks for your honest, down-to-earth message today!
ReplyDeleteI struggle with wanting perfection! I forget WHO is in control!
DeleteBlessings, Martha!