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“Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand..” Jeremiah 18:6 (NIV)
My worst critic is myself. Then again, aren’t we all?
As a child, I was no stranger to perfectionism. In school, I was consistently in the honor roll, unrivalled at the top of my class. Consequently, setting high standards for myself became an obsession.
I thought that my life should measure up to an imaginary standard. I was to be the epitome of a “good person”. A respectable individual. A loving son. A reliable friend. I could think of.
Obviously, I cannot be all that – at least not all at the same time. Every now and then, I overcommit only to find myself failing to do some of my responsibilities. The loving son quickly transforms into the evil brother, spitting fiery words in a heated argument with Mommy. Time and again, I fail to be there for a friend, concerning myself with “more important things.”
I could almost hear my disappointed self taunt me. My shortcoming seemed unforgivable. Moving beyond it was impossible without battling self doubt. Strangely, it was me who imposed such a high standard. I had to forgive myself.
At times when I failed to measure up, God showed me that I was a work still in progress. Though my intentions were noble, I don’t have to hurry up the process. He takes His time. More importantly, He is teaching me that I should not pursue personal growth for its own sake. Instead, it’s His hands, not mine, that would mold me.
So I forgave me. Forgiving other people for their shortcomings became easy after that. After all, we are all works in progress.
Well done, papleng! Forgiving ourselves is always the first step. Thanks for the reminder.
The article has an element of solemnity about it, because it tries to make you soft.Thanks for sharing.
Work-in-progress — I love that.
Trying to be the perfect all the time is hard work. I am a bit like that myself and just end up getting stressed when things don’t work out. A very good write.
Christine
wonderful work.
Perfectioning comes from one’s lack of acceptance of self. We try to be what we are not and assume that our works will make us better. It never works because it creates self righteousness which can hinder one from growth. Great reflection!
Well done. I had a friend that use to always tell me we have to forgive ourselves first and then we forgive others.
Wonderful piece, Papaleng.
A great piece!!
Cool article
very nice and very inspirational.
One of my favorite gospel songs has a line in it “please be patient with me; God is not finished with me yet.” I wish I could find it to download to my computer. Your article goes along the same lines and covers something many of us to struggle with – letting God complete His work, as we are a work in motion.
This is a little piece, kabayan, yet capable of changing humanity.
I really learn a lot from u….Forgiving one ownself is really sometimes tough……Very thanks for posting it…
Sometimes we forget to forgive ourselves. When we do, it is wonderful. Great sharing here, my friend, TX
Well done as always. Thanks for the share.
really inspiring papaleng. people shouldn’t struggle for perfection
enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing such great piece..A reminder to us..
A very reverential piece, and in accord with the model prayer which shows that as we beg forgiveness, we must also be willing to forgive. Great job.
Monica.
Totally a great inspirational piece of writing, and yes we are our worst enemy at times. God does all he has to do, in good time.
Great article, very well composed and inspiring message! xx
Great article. Inspiring as usual.
Very inspiring kuya. Thank you.
Well done, the starting is forgiving oneself.
You have said it well, papaleng. Lovely write.
Great article… I need to forgive me before forgiving others.. do read my articles friend..
Thank you for this inspiring writing! It is really hard trying to be perfect in everything. That is why we always need to look for compromises and forgive ourselves!
all perfectionists should read this – I am one myself and know exactly what you are talking about