Perfection is overrated.

A lot of people wished they were perfect. If not that, they'd wish they had the perfect relationship, perfect car, perfect house, perfect job, perfect life, etc. Now, there's nothing wrong with wanting things to be perfect. Speaking from a perfectionist point of view, it's natural to want everything to be perfect. But what exactly is perfect? Is perfection in relationship having no fights? Or is it lasting through the fights? I love the poem by B.V.Cornwall. It's called the Vessel. Notice how the vessel that God chose isn't the most perfect vessel? And it's true all the time! God isn't looking for the 'perfect' vessels, He's actually looking for the broken vessels. Coz He knows that it's the broken vessels that will ultimately pour out to others and be a testimony. Perfect vessels can't do that, they're designed to hold things in!

Last Sunday, Pr. Alex spoke about being scarred for life. Many of us wished that our lives weren't so full of scars sometimes. As pastor put it, we try to cover up those scars, especially those physical ones through surgery, make up and any method that works. But having scars isn't a bad thing. In fact, it can be a good thing! Scars are the parts of our lives were we've shown that we've failed. It shows that we're human. Most importantly, it shows where God has come in and lift us up.

As pastor put it, scars are a natural part of the healing process. He made me realize that we only get scars once we've healed. Which is very true! We often think of scars as blemishes but in reality, it's just showing that we have healed and moved on. After all, don't warriors used to show off their battlescars to impress people? The scars showed that the warrior has fought in a battle and come out stronger!

Pastor's 2nd point is this: Scar tissues are not the same as before. Definitely. Once a scar is in place, that part of the skin isn't the same. That's how we know it's a scar. It's a difference on our skin. Just like scars in our lives. When we get it, it's because something out of the ordinary has happened. We have changed, hopefully for the better. After all, the only constant in life is change. But also remember, what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Scars show the battle we have gone through. The trouble and the dirt we had to face. In the end, it shows how we have become a better person. It shows how God has worked in our lives, to make us the man or woman that God wants us to be.

2 points that Pastor Alex made was very true to me. First of all, every scar tells a story. Secondly, God turns every scar into a star. How true is that! I've read and heard many, many life stories on how God has just turned that person's life around. One thing I've notice: the most powerful testimonies always come from those with the biggest issues in life. From those who have had the biggest scars. Funny isn't it? It's not the most 'holy' or 'perfect' people in church that's showing God's power, mercy, forgiveness and grace; it's those who have had broken lives, those who have had so wretched a life that God is the only answer to their problems. Personally, my constant reminder of the greatness and wonderfulness of God stems from these stories, not from the teachings.

In a nutshell, scars is perfectly fine. I myself sometimes wish I had more scars in life, simply so that I learn to trust God more and in doing so, learn more about Him. As a human, I'd still wish for a perfect world. I still go looking for the perfection in everything. But I also come to realize that perfection is wayyyyyyy overrated. The world is saying that "we must be perfect" because it knows that when people think they are perfect, that's when the power of God stops. That's when they lose sight of reality and humanity. That's when they lose sight of what God has for their lives. The bigger and better things they could be doing, if they just let go of the image of perfection and embrace the image of God.