With the upcoming holiday, I’ve found myself riding the wave of emotions…from surviving to thriving… and reeling in the disappointment I feel that life isn’t quite looking how I hoped it would. In one week alone, we’ve battle Hand, Foot, and Mouth (with 5 nights of sleeping in the living room), the last of the big kids finding out the truth about the magic of Santa, our washing machine biting the dust, and finding out our sweet horse, Ruf, has a knee injury. All of these aren’t major things and I’m not complaining – it’s just been a pretty rough week, full of unexpected details. I haven’t had the best attitude, my house is a literal mess, and I’ve caught myself drowning in comparison of the highlight reels of friends’ social media feeds.
Life has a way of revealing our imperfections—messy homes, unmet expectations, and moments of failure remind us that we’re not perfect. Yet, God never asks us to be. He invites us to come as we are, flaws and all, and rest in His grace. One of my favorite authors, Rebekah Lyons, beautifully wrote: “When we are weak, His strength is made perfect,” echoing the Apostle Paul from 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” What freedom to know that our mess isn’t too much for Jesus!
In a world that glorifies curated social media feeds and the idea of perfection, it can feel isolating to embrace authenticity. But the truth is, God works through our imperfections to draw us closer to Him. As Ruth Chou Simons reminds us, “God’s grace isn’t just what we say before a meal; it’s the very breath we draw in to face the next moment.” When we release the pressure to have it all together, we create space for His Spirit to transform us from within. When we turn to the Word, Romans 8:28 (ESV) assures us: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Embracing imperfection doesn’t mean we stop striving to grow or improve, but it does mean we let go of striving for approval from the world. Instead, we lean into the gentle guidance of Jesus, who calls us to rest in Him. Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Sometimes being reminded that I can’t do it all and be it all is the dose of humility I need, reminding me that Jesus is the only reason I’m able to face whatever the day or season holds.
As parents, business owners, or simply individuals navigating life, embracing imperfection also allows us to model grace for those around us. When we admit our need for Jesus, we teach our children, friends, or community that reliance on Him is not a sign of weakness but of faith. One of my favorite quotes from Shauna Niequist comes from her book, Present Over Perfect, where she writes “What people are craving isn’t perfection. People aren’t longing to be impressed; they’re longing to feel like they’re home.” How beautiful to offer that sense of home through our vulnerability and trust in Christ!
Friend, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or inadequate today, take heart. You are not alone. Jesus meets us in our imperfections, carrying us through each moment with His unending grace. I’d love to hear how God is working in your life—what’s one area where you’ve seen His grace in your imperfection? Share your thoughts below as we encourage one another to lean into His love.
Let’s grow in faith together, trusting that He is enough for every imperfection we face.
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