PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Perfecting a skill can be likened to a journey, where the desire for a shortcut to beauty lures many. Taking the easier path works with some things but for most, taking the longer route can teach us many life skills and lead us to a place where God can use our lives. Creating beauty out of brokenness.

People yearn for achievement without embracing the effort. In my experience with piano lessons, I have witnessed eagerness to play challenging melodies without dedicating the necessary time to gain the skill. It takes time, and self-discipline to teach your mind and then fingers to play a song. When your fingers remember, it is a feeling of accomplishment like none other.

Just as a painter strokes a canvas to create a masterpiece until it’s completed, my fingers need consistent practice to remember which keys to touch. Dedication.

To complete this painting I put in the effort of setting up; getting the paints, water, and brushes out, setting up the canvas, putting paint on the brush, and stroking the canvas with beautiful colors. After I paint, I wash the brushes thoroughly and clean up the area. I learn habits of neatness and seeing a project to completion.

When we make an effort to accomplish a goal and follow through, we learn self-discipline and dedication. It’s easier to not take the path, to sit back and watch others walk past. But what joy and satisfaction you’re missing! Get up and move toward your goal.

You’ve heard “that practice makes perfect”? Seeking perfection will only cause discontentment. When I make a mistake I can either be upset, try to fix it, or be happy with the new result. In Japan, Kintsugi, the art of repairing broken pottery, is used to fill the pieces with gold to make it whole again. The flaw is seen as a unique piece of the object's history which adds to its beauty.

Jesus is the gold to heal our broken pieces and make us whole again. A unique person made in His image. We can intentionally grow by disciplining ourselves to read God’s word, and dedicating time and thought to our spirituality. Our brokenness will be healed.

Maybe perfection is not what we're seeking but a life well lived.

 

 


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