A Kick in the “As-pect”I sat down to read from my favorite devotional this morning fully expecting an uplifting and encouraging read for the day. Not! Instead, I realized that I had been kicked in the “as-pect”….otherwise described as my own thoughts and opinions. And, the kick went directly to the target bullseye of perfectionism, a not-so-nice attribute of mine I confess. I know that most of us women struggle with being perfect whether it’s in regard to ourself, our family, and our homes. How like the enemy to use those things to make us feel unworthy. Am I pretty? How’s my body shape doing today? Will my children behave today? Is my home clean enough for visitors? I have struggled and continue to struggle with perfectionism. This morning I’ve discovered that takes a lot of energy and hard work which can lead to stress. Stress isn’t fun and it attacks in many forms i.e. lack of sleep, unhealthy eating, physical pain, etc. It also leads to not trusting The Lord to take care of me during the day, every moment of each day. Phil. 4:4 says “Rejoice in The Lord always”. Rejoice? even when I don’t feel well because stress has taken residence in my body? Yes, “rejoice”. Psalm 95: 1-2 says, “Sing and shout to The Lord”. Sing? Shout? Even when I’d rather curl up on the couch under a blanket and have a pity party? I can think of a few things to “shout” but it might not be pretty. The Psalmist didn’t say WHAT to shout, but I’m quite certain he wasn’t writing about negative emotions. Psalm 9:10 says, “You do not forsake me”. This is the verse that resonated in my semi-drained spirit this morning. Along with realizing that I don’t need to plan and organize my day in the mire of perfectionism, I sensed a peace knowing that The Lord wants to be control of my day and if I but trust Him all will be well. He also wants me to navigate my way each day thanking Him for everything along the course of my footsteps. So, today I have asked yet AGAIN for forgiveness from not always trusting and for the days I have pushed God away from being my driving force. And, even though my mind is joyful while my body is tired and dragging, I will focus on the goodness of this sun filled morning complete with birds singing off in the distance. Thank God they are full filling the command to “sing” for their melodies have the ability to fill these temporary empty places in my spirit.