Presence Over Perfection
What I enjoy most about writing these blogs is that it keeps me in deep reflection almost every waking minute of my life. Even in my dream life, I find myself interpreting what certain scenes could mean, what God may be trying to show me, and what it reveals about my waking life. Overall, it keeps me in the mindset of asking, “What is God trying to tell me through this experience?”
I enjoy being in this space because it romanticizes life in the most sacred way. Instead of viewing myself as a victim of God’s unfair or terrorizing sense of humor, I choose to see life as a precious path. With God as my guide, my body as the vehicle, my spirit as the driver, and the stumbling blocks we call unfortunate situations as potholes or detours along the road.
I believe that every moment of the day, every micro-decision and situation, holds small hidden treasures of wisdom. At any given moment, you can find them. In fact, when frustration arises, instead of kneeling to it, ask yourself, “What wisdom is this moment of frustration offering me?” You may find that you begin to enjoy life more and feel more empowered and in control of how you respond.
Today’s blog, “Presence over Perfection,” is one of those treasures I found and have kept very close to my heart. And sometimes, the wisdom we receive doesn’t just sit quietly; it tests us.
Today is Monday, my personal workday dedicated strictly to my artistic goals. Last night before bed, I made a full list of everything I needed to accomplish today: writing this blog, meal prepping for the week, going to the gym, completing administrative tasks for my company, and a few other responsibilities. I had the entire day mapped out in my mind. I would wake up early, go to the gym, come home and shower, cook, write, handle admin, and continue down the list. I really had today planned down to every minute of the day. Every second had a job.
That was until I noticed how beautiful it was outside.
I spent most of the weekend indoors, and Sunday, my Sabbath day, was filled with grey clouds and heavy rain. When I woke up this morning and saw the clear blue skies and the comforting warmth from the sun hugging my skin, my spirit, like an eager child, begged me to dump my rigid schedule and instead go to the park. So I packed my bag with headphones, two books, my journal and pen, and a towel to sit on the grass.
I made my tea and headed out.
When I arrived, with the crisp morning sun kissing me, my body filled with the spirit joy, contentment, and satisfaction. It was as if this was exactly where I needed to be. I remember writing this line in my journal that described this feeling:
“Just when I thought that I felt good, God shows me that I can feel even better.”
I remembered how often I did this, going to sit at parks, in my early twenties, when I lived in North Carolina. I would go to my favorite park, meditate, talk to God, read, and simply return to myself. I call this “quiet time with God” or “dating myself.”
I spent most of the four hours I was there lying on the grass, journaling, listening to music, and reconnecting with the little girl inside me who finds great comfort in creative solitude. I’ve learned that the more we listen to our spirit, the more it speaks. It always knows what we need, even when our minds cannot fully comprehend it.
I had a similar experience during my artist residency. I was determined to finish the final pieces of a manuscript that day. But my body was exhausted from working on projects every single day for three weeks straight. Creativity was uncompromisingly saying, “Not today.” We must remember that creativity is like a gifted but stubborn child. She does not thrive under rigid timelines and restraints. She blossoms in freedom, and it is our responsibility to trust her timing.
So I empathetically gave myself permission to go off script. The next day, I finished everything with ease. The words flowed naturally because I had allowed myself to rest.
Being present in our bodies, remaining in constant conversation with God, and staying in tune with our spirit keeps us aligned with what we truly need to be our best, worry-free selves. Sometimes that alignment does not look like checking every box on a rigid to-do list.
Perfection is never the goal.
Presence is.
Living a life where we are grounded and open to our needs in each living moment allows us to find the hidden treasures of wisdom God places along our path. But they can only be found when we slow down.
Reflections for the Reader
What is the last gift of wisdom you received? How are you applying it to your everyday life?
2. When was the last time you went off script to tend to your immediate needs?
3. What routine helps you return to yourself and feel grounded again?
4. How do you typically handle frustration? How could you improve your response?
5. How often do you give yourself quiet time to sit and speak with the Creator?
