The Illustrious Myth of Miss Perfection
Dear Younger Self,
When you were a child, you wanted to be perfect; you had big hopes and dreams for your life. Speaking with perfect enunciation, walking with perfect rhythm, and having perfect, luscious, black hair down your back. You wanted education, health, wealth, family, and marriage, all together and all perfect. And, do not forget about the dog. He would be a collie or a german shepherd that would be the delight of your family.
What a dream it was! All of it sounded reasonable, except for the perfect part. It was the perfection that stole the show. Perfection, the glamorous actress who closed out the play, giving graceful bows to a black box theatre full of applause. Perfection, she left the stage and whispered gently in your ear, “Follow me, and I’ll lead you to your destiny.” Then, she walked away with a beautiful strut. As she melted into the distance, she turned and gave you a wink. You were hooked. “I want to be just like her,” you thought.
As you grew up, you could never forget about that chance encounter with Miss Perfection. Every assignment, paper, recipe, and simple decision was drizzled with her memory. She made you take your time, think critically, and often wait for the best time before beginning. She made you smile, but you did not know her cost. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into years, but Miss Perfection always ensured receipt of her fee.
Her fee was your time, but your youth did not mind. “I have plenty to spare, and Miss Perfection will get me there!” So, you waited to act because imperfection was off the table. Imperfection was your biggest fear, so you avoided it at all costs. Miss Perfection had you bound, or so she thought.
She was untrue and led you into a place of unfinished dreams. Miss Perfection took many years from you, right from under your feet, but the Spirit of the Living God would not leave you in defeat! You heard a whisper in your ear, “Daughter, that is not Me.” “I sent my Son to give you life, and life more abundantly.” The Lord spoke to you that day, after many years stolen away. He told you that He can redeem the time, so just let go and follow Him. You were disillusioned by God for a bit. You asked, “Lord, why did You let me be misled by this illustrious myth?” “Why didn't you rescue me earlier from her gentle, yet firm grip?”
The Lord replied to you, “How else would you know my voice from a stranger?” “You spent your time idolizing her perfection instead of yielding your soul to Me.” The Lord let you feel the grief of chasing the myth of human perfection to draw you closer to Him. He is the only one who is perfect, and through His son, you have been made to walk in His perfect will. So, you slowly loosened her grip.
It took time, but you finally let her go, and you lived! You lived imperfectly, but joyfully. You played the sport without much training, danced even though you did not know all the steps, and you made the recipe without all the ingredients. It was not perfect, but it worked out. You did not lose your diligence or intentionality. You still ensured that your performance was stellar. What you realized was that miss perfection was this perfect woman on the outside, but on the inside, her real name was fear.
Fear has kept many women from achieving all the dreams that God has called them to accomplish. Fear has many personas: perfectionism, procrastination, and fatigue, to name a few. But the Lord rescues His children, and He rescued you, according to Psalm 18:16-17a (NLT): "He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from my foes who were too strong for me.”
So, remember younger self, that whatever struggle you face, He is there. There are many enemies in our lives. Some are obvious, and others are cunning, but the Lord is faithful to rescue us from them all. You have already accomplished many wonderful things, and you will accomplish many more! Just remember to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33).
I love you, but God loves you so much more with His perfect love. His love is real and will not leave you wanting. His perfect love drives out all fear, so fear not! You are in His hands.
So many blessings,
Your Older and Wiser Self
P.S. He is giving you your time back, according to Joel 2:25, “I will repay to you the years that the locusts have stolen.” Keep smiling and keep seeking Him first. You are getting it all back and better than ever!
Please follow me on Instagram and Youtube” @Lytina Winbh
