Monday, April 22, 2013

The Author of Perfect


 Photo courtesy of Flowery Blessing Blog

How many times have you thought, "if only _____, then _____ would be perfect."  Fill in the blanks with any number of your own answers.  I have similar thoughts which go through my mind more often than I'd like to admit!  It happens when I look at the accumulation of floral supplies in my office as I think of new storage solutions.  It happens when I look at a fully scheduled calendar for a busy family of 5.  It happens every time I step into my garage - Yikes!  And lately, it has been happening as I weigh out and pray about the pros and cons of possibly expanding into a larger location. 

How many times do we wait to do things until we think the timing is "perfect"?  Big and little things - whether it is finally doing something that you've wanted to do for a very long time, pursuing a small part of a big dream or even taking on a little house project such as cleaning a closet.

Years ago, my dad said such a profound and simple statement to me, and in hindsight, I see how much that statement affected me.  As I was wrestling with a big decision, he commented that if he and my mom had waited for the "perfect" time to have any of their children (6 of us!), they wouldn't have had any of us - and he couldn't imagine life without us - mess and all!

Sometimes I laugh at just how often I'll push through and do things without waiting until things make more sense, and yet with other things, I'll wait and wait - sometimes until an opportunity has passed by.

Today, as I was praying about stepping into a big opportunity, the pros and cons, what life would look like with or without this opportunity and ultimately, God's perfect will, I realized that the results are in the hands of the Author of Perfect.  The one who says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7.  

So, as I cautiously take a step forward towards an opportunity, I celebrate knowing that the Author of Perfect is in charge!  As I lay down what might just be "my dream" for His will, I know that whatever the results, I will firmly say: