Perception

Many put much effort into how they are perceived. Some wear lots of make-up to hide what they feel are imperfections. Some people color their hair to look a certain way. Some people are dressed to the 9's and look perfect when they go out. The way we look, dress, speak, and behave are all ways that give others impressions of us.

No matter what you do people are going to have an impression. But what kind of impression are you giving them? I once had someone surprised when they came over that I was willing to show them my house that was untidy. I thought it was odd to be embarrassed about my house. I thought "Yes it is messy right now, I would like it to be clean but what is there to be embarrassed about? God already saw it!" I don't clean my house so others will be impressed. I clean my house because I am uncomfortable when the house is messy. I get easily agitated when things are messy. When company is coming over I prefer my kitchen to be clean at least because who wants to eat at some ones house when their kitchen is a mess. I'm not talking just dirty dishes but when the kitchen is gross, no one wants that.

No one is perfect. I have proof! God said so! Jesus was the only sinless man on earth, and even Christ didn't throw the first stone! Why as a society do we judge others so harshly. When we perceive that others do something better than us we are intimidated. Everyone is going to do something better than you. It may be cooking, cleaning, writing, crafts, or whatever. God gave us all different gifts. God made you perfect for your family. God knows you are not good at crafts, or writing, or public speaking. That is ok! You have strengths in something else. You may cook well, or play piano beautifully. You have all the tools you need to be the mom God wants you to be. So instead of picking on people for their weaknesses we should all encourage each other in our strengths.

I'm sure everyone can come up with a time when even their strengths were weak due to changes in life, or pure exhaustion. Every life has seasons. Not everyone will be in the same season at the same time. Enjoy where you are. Spend your time being who you are. Trying to impress others is time consuming, and exhausting. Plus the one you need to answer to is God and He already knows your strengths and weaknesses. He created them!