Perfection is overrated

Perfection is way way overrated. I served a mission and it was on my mission that I noticed that many of the best missionaries were the ones who grew up lower to middle class, didn't have too much in the way of worldly things and had to work hard for the things they had. I don't know why but I saw many great men who's background was growing up in Idaho on potato farms. They didn't have the best clothes, probably didn't get all the advantages in the way of lessons, opportunities, advantages and this is what I noticed about them:

1. They didn't complain. They were always positive and took everything in stride. It was just yes sir, and straight forward obedience. No constant questioning and annoyance over what they were asked to do.

2. They worked harder than anyone else. Taking a nap, day off or any other self motivated activity wasn't an option.

3. They were humble. They knew the source of their strength and ability and never struggled in giving credit to others and build others up.

4. They had a firm faith in the gospel and shared it with strength and humility

I came home from my mission determined to marry a man from Idaho...ha ha, I think back and laugh at my idealism. No my husband is not from Idaho and can't plant a potato if his life depended upon it. He did have many of the qualities I had seen in those boys on my mission but he lacked many also.....don't worry I trained him and he has now overcome all those original faults. What would he do without me? ha ha.

So what I am trying to say is that everyday I have to remind myself that it is ok that this morning I wasn't up first thing to make my kids breakfast, they fended for themselves and did great. It is ok that my kids aren't' in every lesson possible and spend more time at home this year. It is ok that they have to spend a lot of time cleaning their rooms and helping me around the house sometimes missing all the fun their friends are having. It is ok that they don't have all the latest designer clothes (well, really none at all) and that we shop at Target and Walmart. It is ok that their bedrooms aren't all dolled up and painted with themes and perfect accessories. It is ok that we moved into our house 3 months ago and I still haven't hung a picture. It is ok that my kids don't have every advantage. It is ok if I throw my hair in a pony tail and race through my day without a shower.

It is just absolutely ok that I live in abject mediocrity in so many areas. I love all the imperfection. Raising children is not about perfection. In fact sometimes the more imperfect the better. There are only a couple of things that I think need be close to perfect.

1. Love

2. Acceptance

3. Teaching them morals, values and truth

I am sure there are a couple more!!

I think women put pressure on themselves to keep up, have a perfect house, be cute, thin, accomplished and great mothers. I don't really connect with those women because I am so far from being like them. I love real women who are just themselves. I also don't know many of these perfect women (thank heaven).