The Perfectionist Trap - Part 1

Do you ever become frustrated because you can't accomplish everything you wish you could?

I have. Too many times to count.

This frustration often shows up when we are expecting guests. As the hour of their arrival looms nearer, the optimistic goal I had envisioned of a spotless home and lovely meal begins to crumble. Suddenly, I'm transformed into a drill sergeant barking orders to my children. “Clean up your toys. Put your shoes away. Get your clothes changed. They'll be here in an hour!”

Even if I somehowmanage to make my home presentable before guests arrive, my heart is not. I can put on a smile for my guests, but my children know–I know–I am not a rested, joy-filled person.

I have learned, or maybe am still learning, that sometimes less than perfect is good enough. 

I don't consider myself a true perfectionist; in some areas of life, I'm rather relaxed. But at times, pride shows its ugly face, and I put myself and my family under unnecessary pressure. It may be those times that guests are coming or maybe when I decide to make all my food from scratch. It is not wrong to want my home to look nice for guests or to cook nutritious food, but God says, “The fear of man bringeth a snare”. (Proverbs 29:25) When my goal is to impress others, I've fallen into the trap of perfectionism.

Next, we will look at what is perfectionism.