Apparently, I’m imperfect. I know. It’s a shock.
It’s not really a shock, of course. I happen to have first-hand knowledge of my imperfections. But the reminder came when I saw that a bookseller’s website was offering a used copy of my book, “Anticipatience – A New Word of Hope for Single Women”. There was a category link to click on that said:
“hope-single-woman-slightly-imperfect-sharonvirkler”.
I sort of had to laugh at the reality of it. It isn’t just a copy of my book that is slightly imperfect . It’s the author as well.
On this side of eternity, I’m going to have my imperfections. Some abundantly evident to others, some known only to me (and God, of course). But my value to God is not going to be diminished because parts of my life are marred or dog-eared or bent up a little. He loves me in spite of them, and He’ll graciously and patiently push me to work on them.
One day, I’ll stand perfect before Him. But until then, I’ll let things like a link that says “slightly imperfect sharon virkler” remind me of God’s amazing grace in my life.
God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. 2 Samuel 22:33
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Colossians 4:12
Anticipatience 
Ah, yes. Our imperfections! I believe that imperfections — in us, in the world around us — show us evidence of God’s love, foresight and handiwork. I think of it like this — perhaps you’ve seen those ads from Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel where they show a picture of a kitchen or dining room with plates and cups, all white, all neatly stacked — nothing eschew. I think the reason they do that is so we focus on the furniture, not the display of crockery. I get that. How much more interesting — I’m more curious! — when I see a cupboard stacked with a variety of color and shapes, some with cracks and chips. I’m drawn to it. What’s the story behind each piece? What nudged the owner keep a particular plate or cup? How curious that my friend uses the same chipped mug, turning it so she sips from the side that’s smooth. Tell me about that!
Perfection and all the work that we, as humans, often lean into to achieve it can be exhausting, given the beauty that is often evident in the imperfections.
God knew what he was doing. The imperfections that are perfectly and miraculously created in us and in our world allow us to be the free, creative and curious beings that he intended. And, I’m so perfectly happy with that!