Confessions of a Recovering Perfectionist

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I'm a recovering perfectionist.  I have struggled with this my whole life. I cried in 4th grade when I left my lunch at home, afraid my teacher and parents would be mad. I was sad if I ever made less than an A on any test, quiz, etc.... much less on my report card (gasp!)

I fight a daily battle with the perfectionist spirit inside me. 

I'm not perfect. Actually, I'm far, far from it.  Still, I hold such high and unrealistic expectations of myself and others (just ask my husband).

I want to be a spiritual mentor, influence, and role model for those I lead, but there are days when I don't complete my Bible reading, or worse, don't touch it at all.
I want to have a personal best time at my next 5K, but I seldom run as fast as I think I should be able to on the treadmill.
I want to have a clean, organized house 24-7, but my house/apartment is usually not very clean. I'm very thankful that my sweet husband helps me clean it!
I want to be the best friend a friend can be, but I don't always return phone calls or texts, I don't let friends know how much they mean to me, and frankly, I'm learning that I'm just not able to be that friend to everyone.

God is teaching me over and over that I don't NEED to be great at everything.  I'm not EXPECTED to be great at everything. I'm expected to trust Him.

Every good and perfect gift (and talent!) is from the Lord.  He is my righteousness. He gives me a place of right standing, and that's not something my own selfish works can never do.

...Learning to trust in Him today and every day.