Perfection and Preparedness

I'm ashamed to admit that my family is one of those that seems to NEVER be prepared for the unexpected and RARELY prepared for the expected. This weekend is one of those "expected and still not ready" kind of weekends! Our church will host her sister churches and numerous travelers at an annual three-day meeting beginning Friday morning. The meeting will find us fellowshipping, singing, praising (and of course eating!). My church sisters and I have been planning meals, grocery lists, and prepping the church kitchen for weeks in anticipation of this event that we are honored to host every three years. We truly look forward to this time of year, especially when it is our turn to host the event. I think we're ready -- the church, that is!

My home is a different story. If our beloved brethren were to arrive today, they would have to carefully tip-toe their way through stacks of homeschooling materials being sorted in the family room, rubbermaid containers of 4-H files and show supplies in the living room, and boxes of outgrown horse show clothes in the dining room. Sigh...even though I know every year that company is coming this particular weekend, I can never seem to be prepared ahead of time for them! (You'd think I'd learn.) My husband on the other hand (a former military man, bless his heart!), abides by the motto "proper planning prevents poor performance." It's fair to say he's been a bit agitated by the clutter we're been surrounded with. He doesn't handle clutter very well, but he hasn't complained...much.

I have faced the struggle of "perfectionism" vs "preparedness" many times in my life. The perfectionist in me starts cleaning closets, book shelves, cabinets, and cubby holes about a month in advance of any big event, which seems like a good idea at the time. Problem with that: I rarely get the chance to completely finish any task in perfection. So, in order to be "prepared" instead, I shove everything into the garage to hide it until I can try again later.

The above prelude brings me to consider the spirtual aspects of being "perfect" vs being "prepared." In Ephesians 6 we are instructed to prepare for our daily battles this way: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..." This is a daily preparation, my friends. We may all struggle with a desire to be "perfect," but all we're really asked to be is "prepared." Since I can never reach "perfection" by hiding my junk in a closet (or a garage!), I better let go of the junk and give it to the Lord. Only HE can make it perfect!