Living with Imperfection
by Gemma Gardner
My husband, Dean, had a birthday a few days ago. I wanted to give him a few surprises. He loves to have a birthday cake, and this time I decided I would buy him one that I could decorate myself. I`ve never decorated a cake before, and, as my sight is very poor, I wasn’t at all sure what it would come out like.
On the morning of Dean’s birthday, I went into the kitchen early to decorate the cake before he came down for breakfast. I’d bought a set of food colouring pens for the purpose and started to write ‘Happy birthday’. But one of the letters went wrong. I was really disappointed, but there was nothing I could do to correct it. So, I drew a little flame torch by the wrong letter to try and make it look better. But I could still see the mistake. I finished the writing and put the cake in its box where Dean would see it.
Dean came down a little later, and I watched as he saw the cake. “It’s good”, he said, and he was pleased and grateful. But I immediately pointed out my mistake, as he hadn’t noticed it.
I think that, sometimes, we’re like that with the Lord. We’re so conscious of all the things that are wrong in us, and even though we confess our sins to the Lord and ask for His forgiveness, we can sometimes find it very hard to forgive ourselves.
But the Scripture verse above tells us that the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, and who hope in His steadfast love. Yes, the Lord sees all our imperfections and He knows when we fail, but He loves us. This helps me to live with my imperfections, which are many.
Because of my poor vision, I often create mess in the kitchen, but Dean loves me anyway. How much more then does the Lord loves us unconditionally, and He’s committed Himself to complete the work He’s started in us. One day, those who love Him will stand faultless before His throne.
I pray this will encourage you if you’re going through a time of struggling over your weaknesses and sins.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the way You love me and take pleasure in me, as I reverently fear You and seek to walk in Your ways. Please would You help me to see myself as You see me so that I won’t become discouraged by the accusations and lies of my enemy, Satan. I ask this in Jesus’ name and for Your glory. Amen.
Gemma Gardner lives in Norfolk with her husband, Dean, who until recently worked at Ellel Grange. They are both part of the Associate Ministry team which Gemma joined after completing the Modular school. Gemma has experienced the Lord`s healing and restoration over many years and longs to see Him healing other broken people. Gemma loves listening to music, cooking, knitting and crochet as well as outdoor exercise. She enjoys playing guitar and singing worship songs.
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