Imperfect Perfection

Add caption

My and my cousin Brady @ McGuire's pub in Destin  FL

My mom on the beach!

Thank you to my family

My heart soared at the sight of the palm tree as we were restless to arrive at the condo.  As usual the vision of the ocean  took my breath, and I happily felt free again.  I'm never sure if when we depart from the beach, if  the fourteen of us will be blessed to come back the beach, this is why I savor the breezes and the smell of the salt water air  Have you ever seen the movie Christmas Vacation?  Remember Clark imagined his vacation differently than one which unfolded?  His expectations were unattainable, mostly because he forget to embrace life as it was.  In years passed , I may have been a slight version of Clark Griswald: but not this year...  You see the character Clark had unrealistic expectations for his family vacation, and as result he made his family miserable and himself too.  While viewers of this movie have laughed for years Clark refused to see the humor in such perfect imperfections.  See above clip for a laugh!
The beach to me is the closest experience to heavenly perfection on earth.  Even on the best day at the at the beach though, there are "perfect" Imperfections.  Leaving your custom hair washing board at home, which means you  must improvise by using a water hose or hanging your head upside over the bed. The reality of amazing Aunt who has major back pain on the trip, limiting her enjoyment .  Kids who are tired after long car rides!  Leg problems which hinder long walks on the beach.  All these are small inconveniences that interfere with expectations of perfection.  You know what, I 'I m glad  perfect as the beach is to me, it still has imperfections. .   .   You see for me walking on the beach is a dream, and part of what makes me dream about walking on the beach wonderful for me, is I don't know at all what it is really like.  In my mind it is the perfect experience, and nothing imperfect can touch it.  As those of you who can walk know, it isn't perfect walking on the beach.  Sand I have been told, is hard to walk in, and it is sometimes hot on your feet.  The reality is this earth and the world has imperfections, even in our happy places.  

   9 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God;[b] 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 
   Romans 8:9-24.  


   

It is imperfection that often allows kindness  to be seen.  My family was an amazing help to me at the beach.  My uncle Ron brought ramps in his already over packed truck, so I could sit on the balcony and see the ocean which I cannot do without ramps.  It meant the world to me.  My cousin's husband Brad drove us the whole trip both ways.  This was so helpful to us.  Most all my family helped place me in and out of bed every day we were there.  My brother Justin and cousin Bill pushed me up and down the beach ramp.  You see even though, heaven is the only perfect place, we can savor joy through imperfect perfection!  Sometimes its fun when things are less than perfect. I'm so thankful for and to my family for all they do for me, even when it is hard work.  My mom physically cared for me even though it was tiring for her.  My 5 year old cousin Jack brought me a pale of ocean water to put my hand in.  A stranger bought our lunch one day.  It was pretty heavenly!   Memories made, Corn Hole played!

Next time you are tempted to expect perfection look for the "perfect" in  your surroundings, and look for the perfect in imperfection...  Smile wide, laugh hard, and be thankful!