In our Ash Wednesday worship, we were reminded that “Perfectionism is impossible. Transformation isn’t.” Here is an excerpt from the scripture:
Encounter:
"And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - excerpt from Luke 19: 28-40
Reflect:
Jesus used the word “hypocrite” to describe those who put on airs in public to make people believe that they were holy, that their religious practice was… well… perfect. But their hearts were actually not in the practice, rather in the rewards that public approval could bring them–which is here today, often gone tomorrow. Sometimes it is life itself that robs us of the shiny, perfect life that we had planned for ourselves. A diagnosis. A broken heart. A lost opportunity. This Lent, rather than change for “the best,” we’ll seek to gain momentum one day at a time, as Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie say in the book, Good Enough, “to reach for a faith that is never perfect, but good enough.”
Spiritual Practice:
Let us light a candle, take a deep breath, and pray:
Holy One, Merciful God,
make yourself known to us,
Be present with us in this often troubled journey of life.
Create in us hearts that are open to transformation.
Give us the patience of practice in this Lent season–
ordering our days with time enough for you.
Amen.
Gather:
Sharing - During your small group time take turns reading the reflections below:
In our conversation, everyone is invited to share, but sharing is not required. Please make room for all voices, keeping your contribution to a respectful time limit so everyone has a chance. Whatever is said here stays here – not because we are telling secrets but because we honor that what a person says here is their story to share.
How does the subject of perfectionism ring true in your own life and faith, does it seem to you funny or painful, or makes you think about your own experience. Are you starting to notice when the phrase “good enough” can help you ease up on your own rigid expectations of yourself and others? These are just suggestions… feel free to share whatever is bubbling up around this topic.
A question for the group–what would you say about the difference between change or improving for the sake of perfectionism, and a more holistic change for the sake of our own needed transformation?
Closing Together
Choose one of the blessings from the devotions in the book to read as a closing.
Then read this benediction, taken from our weekly worship, together…
And now, may the God who loves all of creation, especially the imperfect bits,
and Jesus, our companion along this crooked path called life,
and the Holy Spirit, who loves to improvise in surprising ways,
A Blessing for a Joyfully Mediocre Journey
Blessed are you who realize there is simply not enough
—time, money, resources
Blessed are you
Who are tired of pretending
That raw effort is the secret to
Perfect
It’s not. And you know that now.
Blessed are you
Who need a gentle reminder that
Even now, even today,
God is here,
And somehow
That is good enough.
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