Lord, what do you want me to do? is a valid question, but sometimes we emphasize this query more than the essential one: Lord, who do you want me to be? When concentrating primarily on doing without allowing time to consider who I’m becoming, I can get over-tired and agitated. It’s a vicious cycle. I do, but it doesn’t always produce the peace I crave, so I conclude I should do more.

According to the Excellence vs. Perfectionism Chart in The Relief of Imperfection[i], when you and I chase for perfection (striving too hard to make it just right) our lives are shaped on the pursuit of doing. Yet, when we partner with God for excellence—enjoying quality in balance—our lives focus on the pursuit of being.

This reminds me of when Jesus’ followers asked, “What does God want us to do?” Jesus replied, “The work God wants you to do is believe.”*  Jesus offers you and me relief from the performance merry-go-round. He assures us that God wants us to be—to be a believing person. We believe that He sent Jesus to show us his love. It doesn’t mean we neglect action. Doing flows naturally out of being. We can learn to be first and then do.

Lord, today I’ll hit the pause button on my over-doing so I can get quiet enough inside to acknowledge the growing faith within me.

Making It Personal: Who are you becoming?

*  John 6:28-29: What are the things God wants us to do? Jesus answered, “The work God wants you to do is this: to believe in the One that God sent.” (NCV)

This post is devotion #3 in my recently-released book, It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life. http://tinyurl.com/DevoBook

[i]Joan C. Webb, The Relief of Imperfection (Ventura, CA: Regal, 2007)

Uniquely Imperfect Needs

“I just finished your book,” said a friend. “I want to be just like you.” Mentioning a prayer I shared in one chapter,” she asked, “How can I interact with God like that?”

After asking her what she really wanted, (intimacy with God), I said, “Kathryn, you have what you long for. I’ve watched you escape workaholism to bond with God through spontaneous flexibility—and that fits you beautifully.

“God’s created me to connect spiritually in part through the exploration of words and concepts. We don’t have to interact with God in the same way. He cherishes our authenticity.”

“That’s freedom, isn’t it?” she responded.

God’s big enough to meet each one of us according to our unique personalities and needs.

Some of us need to stop thinking and do,

while others need to stop doing and think.

Some need to stop asking and give,

though others need to cease giving and ask.

Some of us need to stop crying and smile,

yet others need to stop smiling and cry.

Some need to stop confronting and give in,

while others need to quit compromising and confront.

Some of us need to stop waiting and run,

though others need to stop running and wait.

Some need to practice discipline and organize,

yet others need to cease structuring themselves into a box and relax[i].

What do you need today?

Lord, thanks for allowing me to be myself in our relationship. I love you.

Making It Personal: Name a time when you felt really connected to God. What was happening?

I (Joan) excerpted this devotional from my new book, It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life: Devotional Readings for Women Who Strive Too Hard to Make It Just Right.Check it out at Amazon. Click on the underlined words.

A devo a day keeps the overwhelm at bay!

[i] Joan C. Webb, The Relief of Imperfection (Regal from Gospel Light, Ventura, CA 2007) pg. 229

It’s been a while since I posted a blog. So, where have I been? Writing a new book and welcoming a new granddaughter.

The new book, a devotional titled It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life: Daily Encouragement for Women Who Strive Too Hard to Make It Just Right is due to hit your local bookstore shelves around Mother’s Day 2009. It is great companion book to my recently released book, The Relief of Imperfection.

The best part about this past summer? Calissa Jolie Rasmussen, our seventh grandchild and number four granddaughter, was born to our daughter Lynnette and her husband Adam. She’s a precious addition to their family of four sisters.

Here’s a few pictures of Calissa soon after she arrived on July 28, 2008.

• Nine year-old big sister, Annika, holds and admires her new baby sister.
• Alissa’s entire family including Daddy Adam, Mommy Lynnette, 9 year-old sister Annika, five year-old Kirsten, 4 year-old Lesia and Baby Calissa.
• Papa and Grandma Joan with 6 hour-old Calissa Jolie.

Thank you, God.

More from Joan later.

Relief blessings to you today!