....paralyzed

Sitting in my garage is a thrifted, retro bookcase. When I saw it, I just knew that with a little sanding and some pale-blue chalk paint, I’d have the perfect piece for a cozy reading nook.  However, after nearly nine months, it sits untouched.  I’m not a skilled do it youselfer and simply haven’t figured out where to start. My perfectionistic mind reasons that if I can’t do it right, then I shouldn’t do it at all.

 

Perfectionism misleadingly whispers to us that if we don’t obtain flawless execution, then we are a failure. That’s how we become paralyzed perfectionists, unable to even begin a project.

 

The Apostle Paul gives us a fresh perspective in this area. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-8, he mentioned a “thorn in the flesh” sent by Satan to torment him. Some Bible scholars believe this could refer to some kind of visual impairment; Paul sometimes mentioned in his letters that he was signing his own name in large print, implying he had a scribe. Others think the thorn could have been a sin struggle.

 
Whatever the case, Paul pleaded with God three times to remove it. God’s answer to this request for relief? “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
 

In response, Paul said, “Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me” 2 Corinthians 12:9. The Greek word for “gladly” is hédista, and it means “delightfully, most pleasantly, sweetly, and without regret or reservation.” This is the perspective-shifting attitude Paul had.

 

Of course, having perfectionistic tendencies that paralyze our productivity isn’t as dire as a physical thorn in the flesh. Nevertheless, we can adopt Paul's outlook. We can trust the Lord to meet us in our weaknesses.

 
Here are three perspective-shifting statements to remember when battling perfectionism:

• Something is better than nothing. I can at least begin, knowing it won’t be perfect but it will be a start.

• Perfectionism is not my friend — in fact, it can be my enemy. When critical thoughts come, making me feel paralyzed, I can fight against them and work steadily and cheerfully, knowing I need to be patient.

• Perfectionism can steal my joy if I let it. Regardless, like Paul, I can rejoice in this weakness and delight in what God is teaching me, remembering that in my weakness, He is strong.

If God’s power is made perfect in weakness, we shouldn’t shy away from our imperfections. Instead, we can admit them to the Lord and ask for His help when we feel unproductive, inefficient or incapable of moving forward. In fact, we can defiantly decide to delight in our imperfections. Now, there’s the perfect plan! 

- karen ehman