Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

New DeSales World Newsletter - Summer Edition

Trying to be Perfect

We frequently labor under the belief - from others, from ourselves, or both - that we need to be perfect. From how we look, how we dress, what we drive, where we work, with whom we relate, we need to be without fault, blemish or imperfection.

And we make ourselves miserable.

A healthy spirituality views perfection more as a process than a product. Ironically, the greatest obstacle to this process of growth is the refusal to acknowledge the fact that we are imperfect. To the extent that we can name - and accept - our imperfections, we can truly be perfected - strengthened, converted and purified - by the love of God.

"When we aim at perfection,
we must aim at the center,
but we must not be troubled
if we do not always hit it."
(C IV)

"We must not be astonished to see ourselves imperfect, since
we must never see ourselves otherwise in this life."
(LR I 2)

"We must suffer our imperfection
in order to have perfection."
(LW I 5)

"We must take all the care that
God wishes us to take about perfecting
Ourselves, and yet leave the care
Of arriving at perfection entirely
To God."
(C III)

"Do not examine too
closely whether you are
in perfection or not."
(LR I 2)

"Overzealousness is the mother
of all imperfections."
(LR I 2)

"The one who can preserve
gentleness amid pains, and peace
amid the worry and multitude of daily life,
is almost perfect."
(LR II 25)

"Our imperfections will accompany us
to the grave."
(LW I 5)

"If we really knew ourselves,
instead of being astonished at finding
ourselves on the ground,
we should marvel how
we sometimes manage to remain upright."
(LR I 8)

"It is our part to plant and water carefully,
but to give increase - that belongs only to God."
(LR IX 6)