What you have done is wonderful.
I know this very well. Psalm 139:14
Recently, we were blessed to get wood flooring in our home. We wanted a distressed-looking floor, not only because it would be easier to care for, but because we find stuff that looks old quite appealing. We joked on the way to the flooring shop that we were going to say, “Give us the crappiest-looking floor you’ve got!”
For some reason, I am drawn to imperfect finishes. As a kid, I collected antique dishes. When I was in my restoring-furniture phase, I was always shabby chic-inspired. The beautifully messy Impressionism paintings are my favorites of all time. I even transform the hard, black line my eyeliner leaves into a soft, imperfect smudge.
When I look at our new floor, I don’t see past the nicks, rough spots, and black marks in the dark wood. In fact, I am drawn to them. Yes, it is the imperfections themselves that I find beautiful. Yet, when I step back and survey the room all at once, the blemishes seem to disappear as the floor becomes just a warm background to my living room.
Similarly, when gazing at an original Monet painting recently, I was struck by how messy the brushstrokes are up close. Just a little step back and the picture the artist intended to create is revealed. And what a breathtaking picture it is.
It occurred to me the other day that I am like my flooring, or better yet, the Monet. Up close, in this earthly realm, my weaknesses are so out there, for all to see. I am damaged, imperfect, dare I say…distressed?
Somehow, my family loves me in spite of my imperfections, or even because of them. Best of all, my God, my Creator…He can step back anytime and see the beautiful picture He intended for me to be. He sees the amazing and wonderful way He made me, even when I don’t.
If only I could get a glimpse of my heavenly body and brain to keep in mind as I struggle with my old and worn one here and now! Even so, I can thank God that when He sees me, he doesn’t see past the nicks, stains, and messiness. He looks straight at them and keeps on loving me. Flaws and all.
mamala says
I am attracted to the flawed as well–but I will not call them imperfect–on the contrary, they are most perfect–cause they’re real.
(I am speaking of people in this particular rant.) (Although you know that I also love other things that have stood the test of time.)
People without noticeable blemish aren’t real.
Which makes them boring, predictable, sterile.
You, on the other hand, Ducky, are so real, it hurts me. Your vulnerability, your dangerously open heart, your Duckiness–is most appealing, most genuine, truly adored.