Hello, we’re so glad you’re here today and hope all is well.
This post comes from our weekly newsletter – Monday Morning Reset – where we reset our faith with the Core Four each week:
✨1 Lesson to shape your mindset
✨1 Scripture to ground your spirit
✨1 Affirmation to speak life
✨1 Question to reflect and reset
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by trying to get everything just right, this one’s for you.
Last week, we talked about how trusting God doesn’t mean perfect faith. If you missed it, you can catch it here.
📑 1 Lesson: Choosing Presence Over Perfection
Have you ever been so caught up, working hard to make something perfect that you missed the actual moments that really matter with the people you were doing it with? 🖐
Sometimes we try to hold it all together, only to realize we’re not really present in any of it.
I’m definitely guilty of planning the perfect kids birthday party, all while missing the actual time spent making decorations with my kids.
Or, being so caught up with work, deadlines and the never-ending to-do list, to not notice that my husband just got home safely – which is an absolute blessing that’s not promised to anyone.
Things like these happen to the best of us and if we’re not careful we will forget that The Perfect can become the enemy of The Present.
The truth is that perfectionism can be sneaky dressing up like responsibility and excellence, but can easily be a cover for fear – the fear of not being enough, of being judged or of losing control. And in this chase for perfection, we can easily lose sight of what truly matters, that is, the amazing people we love, the memories we create, and the quiet moments of joy that can never be replaced.
Jesus spoke directly to this in the story of Mary and Martha. While Martha was caught up in all the details, trying to make everything just right for Him, Mary simply sat at His feet and was present for the moment. Mary understood that the most important thing was being present with Jesus, not perfecting her tasks.
So how can we practice this? Start by noticing the little moments. Pause in the middle of the mess. Look your loved one in the eye. Step away from the list when your child wants to play. You may not get it all done, but you’ll get the most important things right.
So this week, let’s lay down the burden of perfection and be intentional about showing up for the people and moments that truly matter.
And ironically, you won’t do this perfectly either and that’s completely okay 😉.
📖 1 Scripture
“Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:41–42
Let’s not miss the moment like Martha but choose what is better and lasting like Mary.
💬 1 Affirmation
“I release the pressure to be perfect. Today, I choose to be fully present with God, with others, and with myself.”
Repeat it slowly throughout the day, especially when you’re tempted to hustle your way through what could be a special moment.
❓ 1 Question for You
I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.
What’s one area where perfection has distracted you from being fully present?
Remember that the ability to discern what is truly important in a moment is one of the best skills you can ever learn.
And although we often fall into Martha’s trap of worrying over details, striving for perfection, and missing out on moments of true connection, Jesus calls us to choose what Mary chose, presence over perfection.
Let’s stay rooted in Christ,
Nikeba
2 comments
I am guilty of trying to make sure my daughter has the perfect lunch, most educational toys, healthy snacks, everything she needs really to assure she grows up smart and healthy and hits all her milestones. In doing so, I sometimes forget to acknowledge and appreciate the moments I have with her right now. I am too busy making her a 4 course meal (she’s 1), that I miss her just wanting to play blocks with me.
Oh wow, thanks for sharing. 1 is such a precious age, I bet she's just a sweetheart. I can totally relate to that so you're definitely not alone and I'm so thankful we have a gracious God who gives us many chances to get it right. There's always next time 😊