unperfection

My house overlooks a picturesque view of the Rocky Mountains in one of the top cities to live in the US. I enjoy 300 days of sunshine, perfect for running, biking, hiking, skiing. I joyfully work in full-time ministry and attend a life-giving church. I sip perfectly creamed cups of coffee on my porch and enjoy early morning sunshine with the Word and my journal.

I could probably also add my life > your life because that seems to be a thing these days. In this Instagram, social media driven life we all have perfect lives, walking on sunshine has finally been achieved. No one Instagrams the whole truth, but rather portrays life through filters. In revealing more truth I should probably also tell you that my view of the mountains is partially obstructed by the old, [ugly], homes across the street, and while I do live in one of the top cities in the nation, it also happens to have one of the highest suicide rates. The weather is usually mild, but last year it was so dry that my city hosted one of the largest and most destructive fires in Colorado history.

And, yes, I am in full-time ministry and hope to be for the rest of my life. However, my current role is more stressful and pressure-filled than any other position I've held. Ministry happens to be hard work. My character has been stretched as I find myself working, more often than not, out of my weaknesses rather than strengths. It's an honor and privilege, yes, and I'm trusting that I'm learning necessary skills and lessons that will aid in one day fulfilling a dream to speak and write. Oh, and about the Word reading and journaling..true at times, but lately my pen can't ink because my words are few, the season dry.

I count it a blessing that I am surrounded by others who willingly share in my less than perfect, my mess, my [many] tears. Those who are not only willing to *follow* me, but also to dig deep and walk alongside of me in the ugly, sharing and sharpening. Life is not perfect, faith is necessary. Our concern should not be in the portraying of perfection around us, but in the very development towards perfection that He is working within us.