I grew up in a Mennonite home and no, we did not drive around in buggies or wear bonnets on our heads. That is the Amish and the Old Mennonites.

We were as materialistic as the next religious sect and the small town which I lived in held perfection up as an idol.

As a little girl I remember being so ashamed if I got into trouble at school. I thought I had to be perfect in behavior, appearance and accomplishments.

My mother admits that she was a frustrated perfectionist. That could be why she screamed and yelled a lot at us kids.

I know my mother loved me but sometimes I wondered if there was not a better way to show that love than by screaming at me.

Growing up in a home that regarded perfection as an idol was difficult for someone with my personality. I enjoyed a perfect and clean house but if I had something funner to do such as reading a good book or going for a run or swim the perfect house took a back seat.

As I draw close to God I realize that perfection in the eyes of others does nothing to impress Him. We do it to gain the approval of others but not God.

What is He impressed with?

Rest.

The only day He sanctified and counted as Holy was the day committed to rest and worship of Him.

I encourage you to release the bondage of perfectionism and draw close to the Lord. Relax and meditate on his Holiness and absorb the wisdom of His word.

Psalms 23: 2-3 “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. (3) He restores my soul; He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

Isaiah 30:15 “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”