“I messed up the ‘D’! Now I have to start all over!”

“No, you don’t. Pick up your crayons and try again.”

“No, throw that paper away, Momma. It’s no good!”

I wondered why he would be so hard on himself, but then I realized I often do the same thing. I hold most areas of my life to an unreasonably high standard. And if I don’t use my time, energy, and money perfectly, I’m tempted to think I don’t measure up. I get frustrated and discouraged.

I decided the best way to respond to Jordan’s frustration was the same way God cares for me: with love and grace. “Here, Jordan,” I said, “let’s work on it together. I love you no matter what, even if you mess up, and I’ll help you.”

The struggle to be perfect is a losing battle. Because of sin, we live in a flawed and broken world. We strive to achieve the perfect body, the perfect job, the perfect marriage, the perfect children, and even the perfect relationship with God. But meeting those goals is more about our own pride than living a God-honoring life full of grace. The truth is that His love for us doesn’t grow or shrink with our actions; it is constant and complete because it is established in Jesus, the only One who is perfect.

Take an honest look at your expectations for yourself, your relationships, and your responsibilities. Ask Him to show you areas where you can submit to His loving care, and thank Him that our salvation isn’t dependent on what we do but on who Jesus is.