Country Lifestyle Blog: The Old-New Definition of Perfect

Why are we so quick to dwell on our own flaws, but see only the good in others?  I think it’s time to redefine the word perfect and rethink how we see ourselves.

In the last two weeks, I’ve been working on a special video project for a woman I admire very much.  She needed a video to enter a grant competition and I volunteered. 

Video is a skill I am falling in love with, but I’m still at the point where my ideas and vision outpace my actual talent.   We formulated a loose plan, shot some video and I started the editing process. 

As my friend and I sat in my kitchen and watched the final cut, our perspectives were very different.  I watched as this amazing woman with a big heart and a big dream passionately described the project she’s trying to fund.  I was caught up in the emotion she brought to the video and her belief in the goal.  I’d watched it a thousand times, but I still felt the sheer power of her faith in what she is called to do.  I also noticed the dark spot in the video that was a speck of dust on my camera lens I didn’t catch when filming.  As we watched it again, my eyes were drawn to the imperfection it brought to an otherwise heartfelt and genuine effort.

My beautiful and talented friend, on the other hand, didn’t see that dust speck.  She was frustrated with her on-camera narration, feeling like she could have been more polished.  She focused on the imperfections in her speech and words.

We sat next to one another, each believing fully that the other had done an amazing job, yet berating ourselves for our imperfections.

Why do we do this?  I seriously want to know.  Why are we so quick to grant grace and heap praise on others but berate ourselves for the slightest misstep?  Why do we focus on our flaws, not as a means of improvement for next time, but as a reason to feel we are not worthy of admiration?

The word perfect comes from the Latin “perfectus,” which in turn comes from the term “perficio.”  But did you know that perficio doesn’t mean without flaws?  It means to finish, to bring to full development.

So let’s create a new definition of perfection.  Instead of striving for the kind of perfect where we make no mistakes, have no flaws, let’s strive to be perfect in the original sense of the word.  To grow and change and evolve such that we become a finished product in the end.

Because there is perfection in the effort.  And because we are worthy of praise and admiration.  We are kind, compassionate, talented, giving, strong and wise.  We are perfect at being moms and dads and sons and daughters and employees and bosses and friends and coaches and volunteers.  We’re rocking this life and striving for full development and THAT should be celebrated.

So friends, do me a favor.  This week, when someone pays you a compliment accept it.  Accept it as fact and consider that you are leading a perfect life already.  Not one free of mistakes, but one full of development of character and heart and love.

Teresa