Who Are you Trying to Please?

Being a perfectionist is ruining my life. I think I’m actually hindering my goal of perfection by trying too hard. And the problem is, I don’t know how to stop. Why can’t I just laugh when things are not done correctly? A life’s worth of doing things ‘the right way’ is now exhausting me. I keep hearing my spouse tell me, “It’s okay Liz. Leave it be”. But I can’t. Don’t ask me why I spend an extra minute or two organizing the spoons and separating the smaller ones from the larger ones in the kitchen drawer. Don’t ask me why I must have the basket of diapers in the living room on that designated end table and not any other place. Don’t ask me why I must fold all my son’s underwear & socks, it’s not like he cares! I don’t know why I make my life so difficult.

The other day while I was reading my bible I was reminded about a story that struck me in the core of my being. I can’t get it out of my head it was the story of two women awaiting a visit from Jesus. One woman was hustling and scurrying trying to get everything ready. She lost sight of the true importance of the visit…Not that everything needed to be tidy for Jesus, but that Jesus was actually going to be there with her. What’s more important? I think I do this to myself all too many times. I’ve lost sight of what’s truly important. Why do I burden myself with petty things? I need to keep my eyes on the target; what’s truly important in my life.

I think that sometimes God is asking us, “Who are you trying to please? Me or someone else?”

We need to remind ourselves that our goals should lead us to God’s goals. Not our own or that of someone else. Are you doing that job so that you may gain the praise of others? Or are you trying to please God in your works, silently.

Jesus says, “Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men…But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly…” Matthew 6: 2-4

Let’s keep trying to please Him, and not ourselves or anyone else. As long as He is happy, everyone else will be happy with us too. =)