Dealing With Imperfections

How do you handle your imperfections? Are you defined by them or do you embrace them?

My hearing loss has always been a stark reminder that I am far from perfect. Regardless of all that I have overcome despite of my loss I am still no better than anyone else. At a young age two of my sisters & I were diagnosed with hearing loss & growing up as a young person wearing hearing aids I often found myself wanting to hide this fact. I didn't want to be treated differently or to be talked about, you know how cruel kids can be right?!

When I began working at Cedar Point (an amusement park in Ohio) my first year I was a Sweeperette. I loved this job because the first thing we would do every morning is test ride the roller coasters! I always thought it doesn't get any better than this, especially for someone who grew up visiting & enjoying amusement parks! I loved the thrill of the rides. The downside to this job was the humidity in the summer, my hair was always sweaty and sticking to my face and one of my friends said "put your hair in a pony tail". I explained I wore hearing aids & really didn't want people to know that about me & she said who cares what people think, what a liberating feeling it was when I finally let go of the fear of judgment. My hearing loss has been a catalyst for keeping me humble and has given me a deeper appreciation for those who embrace their imperfections.

As I've gotten older I have learned to embrace my hearing loss, at times I even see it as a gift, especially because I can sleep through anything!

James 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

One of my favorite songs is by Tim McGraw "Humble & Kind" I hope you enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awzNHuGqoMc

Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Practicing humility is a pathway to leading a fulfilling & content life. I encourage you to embrace your imperfections. God didn't make any mistakes when he created us, he is using our imperfections to teach each one of us how to be humble.

Think about your own imperfections and recognize how God has used them to help you relate to others. Psalm 25:9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime