I am a recovering perfectionist. My mother drilled into me the pattern of thought, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right the first time!” And while that is true, it is equally true that if we wait until a project seems perfect to us, we miss many opportunities along the way.
As a writer, I had to train myself to turn off my internal editor at times – afraid to type anything because there may be a better way to say it. Instead, I give myself the freedom to just write on the page whatever comes out. I can go back and edit later. One popular author says that he and his agent reached an agreement. When the author feels like the work is 80% worth sharing, he sends it to his agent. If he keeps waiting until he feels it is 100%, he will never send it!
The first verses of Ecclesiastes 11 offer several images challenging us to be people of action: “Give a portion to seven or even to eight, for you don’t know what disaster may happen on earth” (CSB). Don’t always wait for perfect conditions. Get moving, take risks, and seize opportunities. The first chapter of the Bible pictures God as a Creator. We, too, can share in his creative characteristic by moving toward action and productivity.
Popular author and speaker Andy Andrews says, “When you’re faced with the choice to do nothing or do something, you will always choose to act. Seize this moment. Choose now!”
Yes, there are seasons God requires us to wait. In some situations, the Holy Spirit warns us to slow down. But many times, God is waiting on us. Years ago, I began learning that if I expected perfection from myself, I set myself up as an idol to become what only God is capable of being. Instead, I can work from the standpoint of grace, fully accepted in the Beloved. As a father, I adore the imperfect drawings and projects made by my children when they were young. So I can trust God and get moving.
