If you were to ask me what the world’s greatest trap was to mankind right now, I would answer “The perception of perfection.” But what do I mean by that? And how could the perception of perfection be a trap for anyone? I explore this and my own experiences with it a little more below.
Social media is all about perfection, or at least, about the perception of perfection. And while it is easy to get lost in this nearly perfect world, where we can choose who to follow and what to dream about; life is rarely that simple.
People have told me that they are jealous of my life, and my ability to strive after this newfound dream and passion, of baking bread and crafting other homemade goodies from scratch. People tell me that they are inspired by my words of hope and faith. People are quick to compliment and congratulate me on my seemingly small accomplishments via social media, before moving on to their next quick fix on the feed.
I’m not upset at this fact of life, as I too, take part in the social media monster that is now a daily part of my world. However, I do find it hard to leave the “trap” if you will, of showing off only the perfect moments in my life, rather than the behind-the-scenes fights that I endure from day to day.
Some of my struggles are emotional. Others, physical. One of the biggest struggles would be the financial struggle of juggling bills, rising costs of food, pet care, and more. Honestly the list of my struggles can be weighty, if I allow them to be.
But that’s just the thing right there, isn’t it? The key phrase that the world would rather you not notice, while it simultaneously consumes your every thought. “If I allow them to be.”
If I allowed my struggles to weigh on me, my back would break, my heart would crumble to dust, and I would simply not exist as I am now. I would be nothing more than a robot at the best of times, repeating phrases that people expect, and faking smiles until I could be alone once more. I would be an empty husk, and non-responsive at the worst of times.
However, because I have God in my life, and since He saved me from depression, my outlook on life has changed drastically. I went from being that very robot at the best of times, to the woman I was always meant to be. Part of the transformation was experienced as if overnight!
But truly, most of the transformation has occurred over several years now. And through these years of transformation, I have learned to have faith. I have learned to trust in the promises of God. I have learned to leave my burdens with Jesus. I have learned to wait for God’s timing, rather than my own. Am I perfect at any of it? No.
There are still bills to be paid. There are still chores to be done. There are still emotions to wade through. But the difference is, I am no longer alone. I thought I was. I truly believed I was. But then Jesus became the light in my life. He showed me that I can do things that I barely even dreamed was possible for someone like me.
I have more faith now than when I broke down and begged Him to heal me from depression. Jesus has drawn me to Him, and I have willingly given my life to Him. Knowing this, doesn’t mean that my life is suddenly easier, or less trouble filled. If I’m honest, life is almost harder now than it ever has been, depending on the standards with which I was to measure it by.
However, if I measure it by the peace and tranquility I experience day by day… If I measure it by the joy I have experienced because of the connections to others I have formed… If I measure it by the newfound love and excitement I have with my relationship with Jesus… I have become richer in all aspects of my life.
Jesus changed my life, and though I struggle with anger still, with money still, and with physical limitations still, I know I will be okay. I know that I will get through whatever this world has to throw at me, because I know who it is that has my back. I truly hope and pray that one day, if you don’t already, that you too, will be able to understand and feel this hope beyond hope.
So if you find yourself scrolling through your feed, and feeling a little down or overwhelmed with life, I encourage you to put down your phone, put up your hands, close your eyes, and talk with God. Tell Him your troubles, your worries, and the issues of the day, and ask Him for his peace, His comfort, and His help. Go on again with your day, and be amazed at the weight that will be lifted from your shoulders.
God loves you. I love you. And that’s just the way it is.
Thank you for reading.
God Bless you and keep you!
♥ Jess ♥
