I worked with her. She was so organized they teased that she even organized her paper clips! Ever know someone like that? Are YOU like that? Well, there's some "obsessive compulsive" in me somewhere--and I like things in order, not PERFECT order, but DECENT order! And that's where my teen sons and I parted ways...it was an impossible struggle to keep my home in DECENT order...with food wrappers, papers, books, videos, clothes, games, all where they were NOT supposed to be! What to do? I had no clue...teaching, training, yelling, screaming, running away--nothing worked! Would "growing up" work? Maybe...maybe not. They're both in graduate school now - and I'm still not sure.....So what WILL work?
How about "grace"? Listen to Thomas a Kempis (1380-147l), "It is no great matter to associate with the good and gentle; for this is a naturally pleasing to all, and everyone willingly enjoyeth peace, and loveth those best that agree with him. But to be able to live peaceably with hard and perverse persons, or WITH THE DISORDERLY, or with such as go contrary to us, is a great grace, and a most commendable thing." (Thomas a Kempis Quotes - World of Quotes)
So where's the order in disorder? There IS none, but we, the "neatniks," can learn to live peaceably with the "never-neatniks" (and vice versa!) by God's "great grace!" Lord, give us "great grace" to live "with the disorderly" - and if you're one of them, go ahead and grin! If you're LIVING with one of them, go ahead and grin too--for only by a little good humor and a whole lot of God's grace-- will we ever both be able to co-exist! "Lord, help us ALL--perfectionists included!"
And that's just an ORDERLY chuckle or two for your day--live in GOD'S GRACE and HIS perfectionism, not the world's definition--you will blow it every time! God will work with the perfectionist part as He makes you more and more like HIS SON! You can be perfect in His eyes through the Blood of His Son. Believe it!
Now go organize your paper clips, tell my boys to clean up their apartments--and have a perfect, choco-rich, don't-you-dare-make-a-mess, and don't-make-a-misteak day! Oh, go make a mess - who cares....chuckle, Mama!!
Entropy Personified: My Imperfect Son!
A great site and book for women -
MaxedOut with Debi Stack"
Author of "Martha to the Max! Balanced Living for Perfectionists" (Moody Press)
Paul's Perspective on Perfectionism
"The Impact of Human Emotions upon Learning: A Christian Perspective
"The English Term 'Perfect': Biblical and Philosophical Tensions
"Perfecting Ourselves to Death: The Pursuit of Excellence and the Perils of Perfectionism" - By Richard Winter
--Copyright 2008 by Peggie Bohanon, Springfield, MO.
--Bible readings: Courtesy of "Daily Manna," International Bible Society
--IBSDirect International Bible Society's bulk Bibles/resources at discount prices.
...Love God's Word? Love Chocolate? Come On In!...
