Prioritizing What’s Important Vs. Seeking Perfection

It’s so easy to get caught in the trap of wanting to be perfect. It seems to come naturally to look around and feel like everyone else has it all together.

I can never get back the hours I spent on Pinterest looking for the perfect little girl nursery. And while the nursery turned out pretty cute (and maybe a little bit trendy), I have to admit I had little restraint when it came to Pinterest.

Social media sites like Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram can quickly become a breeding ground for greed, envy, discontentment and all sorts of ugly attitudes in my life. It doesn’t take long to be consumed by the desire to get everything I want.

Now there is nothing inherently wrong with those social media sites as long as they are a tool to serve others and celebrate the life I have been given. But as soon as I’m using them for my own glory and to elevate my status, I’m in danger.

I have to remember to evaluate what’s important: if my child’s nursery looks like a Land of Nod ad or if it’s functional and comfortable for her to sleep in.

Is it so critical that her first birthday party has handmade tissue paper garland, cute paper straws, chalk board labeled food items and the perfect smash cake, or that we enjoy being together celebrating our sweet one’s life?

And again, the cute room and special birthday decorations aren’t themselves bad if my intent is pure. When approached with wisdom and perspective, Pinterest can be a great launching point for decorating inspiration, adorable baby showers, and road trip activities for kids. I found many wonderful ideas there.

Life is a balancing act.

Enjoy beauty and creativity, but don't elevate them to unhealthy levels. Knowing ourselves and where our gifts lie can allow us to do amazing things in life while serving others. But putting ourselves and our desires above what’s really important gets things out of balance.

Here’s how I endeavor to remember what’s important:

1. Limit my time on social media.