. . . to be free of one’s ego is a hallmark of perfection. We humans are never going to become perfect, for perfection belongs to a realm we are not destined to enter. However, we must constantly mount higher, seek to be more perfect . . . perfection will never be reached, but great, and ever greater, progress can be made. (Shoghi Effendi, Unfolding Destiny, p. 453)
As a recovering perfectionist, my disease was setting high standards for myself, convinced that they were necessary to earn God’s approval and guarantee me a better life in the next word. When I didn’t reach my self-imposed goals, I was mercilessly brutal and even abusive in the way I spoke to myself.
What this quote teaches me is that it’s not goals or the never-ending “to do” list I need to concentrate on, but rather I need to focus on perfecting the way I conquer my ego or lower nature. I need to set the bar high on the virtues I want to perfect, and deepen my relationship with God, inviting Him into every area of my day as my Divine Friend, Physician, Companion, Friend, Healer, Best Lover and all of the other names of God which remind me of His perfection. I can rest in His perfection and His love for me, trusting that I don’t have to do anything to earn His approval. I can just “be” and accept all the love He has for me.
Letting go of the need to be perfect and resting in God’s love is all I have to do today, and I am grateful!
What jumped out for you as you read today’s meditation? I’d love it if you would share so we can all expand our knowledge of the Writings!
If you liked this meditation, you might also like my book Getting to Know Your Lower Nature
I would say not that I worried so much in life about my own lack of perfection but more the need I saw for others to try harder to be better. I have realized this in myself and am a constant work in progress to just mind my own business and not that of others. Love your writings Susan. Most sincerely, Gina Smith
I love the reminder that we need to mind our own business, Gina. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: “If we allow our attention and energy to be taken up in efforts to keep others right and remedy their faults, we are wasting precious time. We are like ploughmen each of whom has his team to manage and his plough to direct, and in order to keep his furrow straight he must keep his eye on his goal and concentrate on his own task. If he looks to this side and that to see how Tom and Harry are getting on and to criticize their ploughing, then his own furrow will assuredly become crooked.” (Shoghi Effendi, Lights of Guidance, p. 92)