Sometimes Completion is More Important than Perfection

As the baby shower approached I had to make a decision - would it be awesome or would it get finished? Let's just say it was pretty close to awesome and it got finished just in the nick of time.

Sure, it could have been better. The piecing was good. My skills are definitely improving. It was the actual quilting that was less than stellar. Unfortunately, I just couldn't give it the time it deserved. To be honest, quilting isn't something I have a lot of experience with, so even if I'd had time, I'm pretty sure than it still wouldn't have been "perfect."

There was something difficult for me about accepting that this project would be inadequate. I had so wanted it to be flawless. Ha! Who am I kidding? I'm not capable of flawless. But, at this point, I am capable of pretty darned good. Come to think of it, there's really nothing wrong with pretty darned good ... especially if I'm not trying to get a ribbon. It's a baby quilt for goodness sake. Little Jude will not be complaining that my stitching isn't on the money.

I'm just thankful to have the opportunity, skills and materials to make this unique, one-of-a-kind gift for someone special. Quilting is fun, even when it's not perfect.

The Goal of Life

Oh how I wish I could "do it all." There just don't seem to be enough hours in the day. Perhaps that's because the goal is perfection not enjoyment. Is being the perfect mom, wife, homemaker, employee, blogger really what's important to me? I'm afraid to say that is what my subconscious tells me more often than not. It goes something like this - anything worth doing is worth doing perfectly (or just don't even try). In reality I know that perfection is not attainable. Yet I let its lure rob me of the joy of the moment. I need to stop that.

Recently I've been on a Food Network kick. Watching those shows - like Paula's Party, The Neely's Down Under, Rachel Ray - isn't so much about the food for me. Yes, I'm hoping to pick up a few pointers on cooking, because mine is atrocious. But I really watch them because the people have infectious, happy personalities and really seem to enjoy life.

It would seem to me that the people who have perfection as a goal don't look like they are enjoying life. They are too busy trying to live up to some lofty standard that few, if any, care about. When I think to the end of my days and wonder if I'll be able to hear the chatter at my funeral I don't want to hear people talk about my perfectly clean house or how excellently I sewed stuff or even what great shape I'm in (not). I would hope to hear them say that I was a happy person who enjoyed laughter and enjoyed life. Now that's a goal!

I'm thankful for the freedom to choose what kind of life I'll have.

What r u thankful 4?