A few weeks ago, I joined some friends for a painting event led by an instructor.
Maybe I should preface this by sharing how I ventured out to a similar event a few years ago … except everyone painted whatever they wanted … without any steps or instructions.
And I floundered … miserably.
You see, I wanted an instructor to tell me which color to use and in which section. If I could have, I would have used a ruler to ensure everything was straight and even. I just wanted to have a perfect painting.
I found myself completely stressed and frustrated because I had to figure it all out by myself. (And I’m pretty sure I stressed out my sweet friends around me.) The icing on the cake was that I eventually needed at least two people to help me because I was discontent with what I was going to take home.
Now, let’s fast forward to the beginning of this month. I prayed before I went to this event. Yes, you read correctly.
Knowing that the goal of this get-together was to celebrate a friend and just have a good time, I knew I had to go in with a different mindset. I had to release the idea of perfectionism and just relax.
Intently, I watched the instructor and I tried my best to follow the instructions. I found myself focusing on the fun music playing in the background and the lively conversation our group was engaged in.
Now, I could tell I wasn’t blending colors correctly or producing crisp lines. Yet, I just kept going. And to my surprise, I only asked the instructor for assistance once.
When I was done, I knew I didn’t have a Monet in my hand but believe it or not, I have it proudly displayed in my home.
You may be wondering why and well, it’s because it serves as a reminder to me actually. As I look at it, I remember how I was at peace and that I enjoyed creating.
As someone who has tried to control every detail of life, as someone who has lived in fear of making mistakes, as someone who has grace on everyone around me except myself … this painting reminds me that rather than struggling with perfectionism, I can rest in Jesus, the Perfect One.
In Matthew 11:28 (AMP), Jesus says: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation].”
2 Corinthians 12:9 & 10b (AMP): “… but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].”
As this year draws to a close and we prepare to embark on 2022, I pray that these words of our Savior would guide us.
~Joyce
