Fighting Perfectionism – A Lesson from Breakfast in Bed

 

 

 

I awoke to the clanging of pots and pans, the chatter of children and the smell of burning toast —all indications that my kids were preparing breakfast in bed for mom.  Soon four little kids would appear at my door,  carrying a tray laden with food (not quite like the one pictured above.)

“Mommy, we made you breakfast!”

All four would climb into bed with me and giggle as I ate very last delicious bite of watery scrambled eggs, burnt toast, lukewarm juice and weak tea!

Breakfast in bed prepared by my children was a treat—not because it was a perfectly prepared meal, but because it was a gift of love given by my children.

We understand that children are a precious gift from God.  Most of us are  serious about doing the best we can to raise  our children to become responsible and mature adults. Our dedication is result of our overwhelming love for these  children and our love for God.

At the same time, we are painfully aware of our own imperfections and struggles. On occasion we feel as if we are appearing at God’s door with a tray of watery scrambled eggs and burnt toast and find ourselves greatly disappointed in our own efforts!

I find great comfort in remembering my joy and delight at receiving  my children’s imperfect breakfast but perfect offering  of love to me.

I love to think that God is delighted with my attempts  to care and nurture the children in my life even when my efforts are are less than perfect.

We can be comforted in recognizing that our children benefit from what we offer in love  and  that our motivations as parents and grand parents  really do make a difference in their young  lives.

Being good parents or grand parents is not about perfection, but is about a consistently  loving relationship with our children.