The Perfect Life

I had an awesome and wonderful two weeks with my grandchildren from NC.  By them being here, all of the other grands made an effort to be here with me also.  At one point, everyone of the grands, except Tatiyana, was under one roof, MINE!  I also had the three great grands with me along with almost all of their parents.  Kandi was not able to make it, but I got to talk with her.  I know that many people believe that being rich means you have lots of money and can buy everything you need, want, and what other people have, I DON'T!

I have been so rich and richly blessed this summer with my family around, running around, tearing up, fighting, crying, talking, hugging, kissing, crowding me out of my bed, sleeping on the sofa and floor, eating together, playing together, and just sitting looking at each other and being amazed at how many of us there are as well as how much we miss being together. (REALLY LONG SENTENCE, sorry).  Today, it is time for them to return to NC, and most of us stayed here.  We cried.  We laughed.  We played.  We ate together.  We all feel so very sad.  School will be starting on Monday, and we know we will not be able to get together again until the next holiday or long weekend.  We know that the ache in our hearts will stay in place until we do.

All of this made me think about the perfect life.  So, throughout the visit, I have spent time talking with my friends about the perfect life, the life I have and continue to live.  The life I am praying and hoping that they will embrace, and live even better because of these two weeks.  So, what is the perfect life.

Very simple answer.  The life you are currently living.  The life that has a lot of ups, and a lot of downs.  A life that has rewards and punishments; a life that provides you with hope and optimism, but also disappointments.  The perfect life teaches you how to live each and every day.  It may not feel very perfect because we are taught that the perfect anything cannot and must not have any flaws in it.  The truth be told, that is not life and is almost not true of anything.  Almost everything has some kind of flaw or unwanted marking, happening or something that could have been better or improved upon.

Matthew 5:48 Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.  This scripture exalts us to be perfect, but does not say that we are perfect.  That is to say that we should always be striving for perfection.  So, if the Bible is exalting us to be perfect, then that is the challenge. 

Online Dictionary definition of perfect:  Having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be. OR absolute; complete. OR make (something) completely free from faults or defects, or as close to such a condition as possible.

OUR LIVES right now have all of the required or desirable elements, qualities or characteristics necessary for a perfect life.  Those ups and downs are part of the shaping and development for perfection.  Those disappointments and failures are all part of the work necessary to refine and make you better and move you toward perfection. 

When you are absolutely and completely perfect, it is my hope that you and I will be receiving our crown of glory and hearing the master say "well done my good and faithful servant."  So, remember, your life is perfect because you have everything that you need to work toward completion.

I am going to be counting the days until we can get back together again.  Loving those family talks, especially those table topics.  Loving you always.  Peace and blessings to my most wonderful and precious family.