In Search of Perfection

"Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content." - Helen KellerIt has occurred to me that we are sometimes a very spoiled people.Certainly, we are to be grateful we live in a world with numerous modern advances, but have we come to expect too much? I am referring to the search for perfection.

We read fashion magazines and see models on the run-way, and we feel disappointment when our own bodies do not match up. We meet new acquaintances at a social gathering, and when we find out they have educational degrees we may not possess, thoughts of inferiority overwhelm us. The same is true with artistic depictions of the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas, such as those created by Norman Rockwell. We ponder our own families and they seem so dysfunctional.

How ironic that a deaf and blind woman who faced much adversity in her life can teach us that, even in life's bumps and bruises, there is something to be gained. What Helen Keller learned was that if the hills and valleys cannot always be avoided, it is wise to look for the wisdom each of these circumstances may offer. For example, Miss Keller lacked the ability to hear and see, yet despite what some people may call flaws, Helen Keller had a very sophisticated intelligence which allowed her to ponder and reveal profound thoughts. Lacks allowed this woman to be strong in other ways.

In my own life I have encountered some adversity, yet, when I reflect back, I now see what a great teacher life has been. Some of my greatest wisdom has come through pain, struggle and adversity.

When we seek a perfect world, perfect bodies, perfect brains and perfect relationships, we prevent happiness from reaching us because we compare our own flawed, imperfect and error-ridden lives to an impossible societal standard. As did Miss Keller accept life's inevitable hardships; making the best out of all things, so too, does God not desire man to seek earthly perfection, but spiritual perfection.

Do not fret about having the ultimate body or brain, but instead set your sights on reaching out to God.

A husband is a wonderful life-partner, indeed, but an intimate relationship with God is even greater!

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr