Beauty Is…
I was on the beach, looking down as I was walking, and saw this shell. I thought it was pretty and perfect, with no cracks or chips and the coloring was interesting so I picked it up. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the edges were ragged and not really perfect at all, despite my first impression. That got me to thinking…
I, as many of us do, try so hard to be perfect…perfect in my profession, perfect in my parenting, perfect in my relationships, perfect in…well just everything. Of course…I am flawed in each and every one of those areas in some way, either large or small. Like a lot of people, I am very unforgiving of those flaws. So much time is spent focusing on our shortcomings that we don’t see the things that make us beautiful.
That shell taught me a lesson today… it was beautiful and perfect to me, despite its imperfections. Imperfections I didn’t see, because I wasn’t busy putting it under a magnifying glass. And likewise, despite imperfections… we are ALL still beautiful and need to be embracing THAT, instead of clinging to our flaws… especially me.
June 21st, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Here is something to think about.
Aeronautical engineers have discovered that the perfectly straight edge of a wing is NOT the best shape for lift.
See http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6431498.html
It is called a scalloped wing. And looks remarkably like the rough edge of that shell…
Cool huh?
June 21st, 2009 at 6:04 pm
That is kind of cool, that in order to fly best…you might need to be a little imperfect.
June 21st, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Perfect analogy, my friend. We all must be imperfect to fly right. I’m glad you recognize that. Hope you’re doing better as a result of your new insight. Sending you big hugs.
June 21st, 2009 at 9:29 pm
I hope you kept the shell. You are going to need it later.
Your buddy,
Roo