my present over perfect: take two

because more than one try is exactly the point

“Present over perfect. Quality over quantity. Relationship over rushing. People over pressure. Meaning over mania.” -Shauna Niequist

here I rock

on a well-loved, rustic chair

in a cabin that is empty, dark, still.

here life is simple and straightforward,

slow and meditative.

I’m starting to find such scenes

a refreshing reprieve from the hustle,

and the scarcity of schedules and clocks

is desirable, meaningful, restful.

for longer than I’ve been aware,

this journey has been perfectly in process

according to God’s timing,

and along the way

I have experienced precious moments of

present over perfect:

slow Saturday mornings lingering over a

powerful, perfectly applicable phrase in Scripture.

learning to love those messy, spontaneous moments

that don’t quite fit the plan but bring joy.

exhaling my burdens and slowly

breathing in my identity in Him,

believing my privileged place as daughter.

looking into the eyes of those I love,

stopping long enough to let our body

language and love fill the air between us.

ceasing work for the day because I

did all He called me to, trusting Him

to provide for the tasks still left, rejoicing

in a full day of labor with the strength He provides.

walking in the fresh air,

feeling the sunshine light up my face and

trickle inward to restore childlike joy.

abandoning my phone so I can stop the

endless scrolling, comparing, time-wasting;

feeling free from others’ requests enough to

hear God speak.

laughter in the kitchen:

creating, making a mess, helping each other, rejoicing

in the food that He’s given us for nourishment.

wonderfully heavy car rides, the confined air full

of deep conversations about God, faith, calling,

decisions, love; free and freeing honesty,

bringing relationships to new heights.

sitting on the porch in silence – not waiting

for anything, just intentionally listening

to the birds chirping and the wind rustling.

silence. stillness. listening.

present eclipses perfect.