I see you smiling as you walk through the halls in your perfect sweater, trendy pants and boots. You walk with your head high, greeting those who come across your path. You are on your way to chapel because you need to be at a minimum of 18 of them by the end of the semester, but you will probably go to more. I can tell you are trying to help everyone with everything, no matter what it takes. You stay up late to finish the mounds of homework your seven classes have assigned you because you spent the day helping other people. I see your smile, though. I see how hard you are trying. There isn’t a single break in your day to even sit down for lunch. I don’t know how you do it. You are perfect. The perfect student, friend, daughter, sister and employee. You strive for perfection in everything. But here’s the thing. You were not created to be perfect. I know, it’s hard to believe. If we were made to follow in Christ’s footsteps and he was perfect, shouldn’t we also strive for perfection? Well, the answer is tricky. You were not created for perfection. You were created to fall down, get hurt and fall short. Within these failures, you are giving God the chance to come into your life and put his own perfection on display. This does not mean you shouldn’t try, it just means it’s okay to fail. I know you have heard the verse that tells us how we all fall short of God’s glory; you’ve probably heard it so much it’s become. I’m here to tell you it’s okay to say no to people, to be a little selfish with your time, to take care of you as long as you are still giving it all to God. This is my letter to you, the person who is tired of trying to be perfect. You cannot be perfect. If you believe you are perfect, where is your need for God? I see the smile that doesn’t quite reach your eyes, the sweaters you wear because they are easy to throw on in the morning and still look professional. I see the light left on in your room because you fell asleep studying again. I see the coffee you carry because you were too stressed to sleep. I see your heart and the good intentions you have. I see the smile you want to reach your eyes, but just can’t because of the exhaustion. I see you. I know you. I am you.