perfection...

So I'm not perfect.
I know others are not perfect.
Nothing is perfect.

So those are some realizations I've always known but was reminded of again tonight. I've been sulking lately because I am stuck at home recovering. After all, there are only so many episodes of NCIS and Law and Order that I can watch. My schedule lately is go to work then come home and sit in the recliner with or without dinner, depending on how I'm feeling. So today, I decided I would do something creative instead of sitting in the recliner. Last year, I went to the beach with several friends. I bought little wooden frames to frame our picture. I planned on painting the frames and adding some of the shells that we collected while we were at the beach. Well I guess a year isn't too late to do the project. Today seemed like a good day! As I was sitting there looking at the shells. Each one of the shells is different, unique in their own way. Each one had been on a journey before ending up in my hands. Each line, dent, scratch tells a story of its journey. Same with us! Each one of our triumphs, our scars, our experiences, our family and friends all tell our story. Those shells were made by the same hands that made me. Each shell was made unique, special and perfect. The world may see those scratches, lines and dents as imperfections, but our Creator sees differently. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29.11. Reading that, I definitely feel loved. Unconditionally loved. I'm not perfect. Physically, mentally or emotionally. But to God, I am perfect, just how he wanted me. I know I will always work hard to be like Jesus, I also know I will fail many times, not intentionally of course. Isn't it great to know even though we fail, God is loving and gracious?! I think so! I'm thankful that I am unconditionally loved. Jonathan sang this tonight at Portico Church. It brings tears to my eyes each time I hear this song!
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How He Loves US

He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realise just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

Yeah, He loves us,
Oh! how He loves us,

Oh! how He loves us,
Oh! how He loves.

We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If His grace is an ocean, we?re all sinking.
And Heaven meets earth like an unforseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don?t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way?
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I pray and strive to LOVE like He loves me!
Love!