The Battle Against Perfectionismਨਮੂਨਾ

Well into my years of motherhood, I realized I had a problem with perfectionism. Deep down inside, I thought I needed to be perfect to be loved. The thought seems silly, but that is what I truly believed. I realized that my perfectionism was not just affecting my own heart, but it was hurting my husband and children as well.

Perfectionism kills relationships - not softly or gradually, but with devastating effectiveness. When unrealistic standards invade your connections with those you love most, the very people you're trying to bless begin to feel like failures in your presence.

While I cannot remember how frequently my husband put words to his feelings, I know he would often feel like a failure in our home. If I had not changed course early in my mothering, I am sure my kids would have often felt the same way. You cannot have a life-long, heart-connected relationship with someone if they feel like a failure when they are with you. Romans 8 tells us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This truth applies to ourselves, our spouses, and our children. Fighting perfectionism in your own heart can help you better love and serve the people that God has placed in your home.

Reflection Question: How might your pursuit of high standards be inadvertently creating distance in your most precious relationships?