One Small Note . . . Beyond Perfect
In our culture, we are so programmed to look for and expect perfection. Before we buy something we make sure it has not even a tiny scratch, and if it does have a flaw, we expect to pay far less for it. Imperfection, after all, decreases its value.
Younger and younger children are encouraged and expected to excel in a sport in order to be in line for success. More and more students are taking the SAT exams several times to get a score as close to perfect as possible in order to be considered by competitive colleges. Parents feel this pressure keenly. Our children and youth are feeling it as well. Yes, it is true that pressure for perfection starts early and is pervasive.
Falling short of perfection to many of us means being less than or unworthy. It is tough to admit, perhaps, but it is a reality for many.
Take heart, though, this week I was reminded of an important truth about us! Taught by a child. 
You see, I had a wonderful thing happen yesterday. A small gesture that was a reminder that little things make a huge difference in our world.
I received a precious note in the mail from our six year-old grandson, Quinn, who wrote a love letter and drew an adorable picture. I was so touched by each word.
When I called him to thank him, he explained that the lines were “uneven because I did it on the bus and it was bumpy.”
To him it was not perfect.
To me it was beyond perfect.
What a smart kid to make good use of bus time, don’t you think? And of course, it warmed my heart that he was thinking about me too. Isn’t it a beautiful thing to know others think about you in a loving way? Beyond perfect.
Then, his busy and loving mom helped him mail it to me as she was attentive to its value for both of us. That may seem like a little thing, but its power is a big thing. To acknowledge him, validate his heart, and help him learn about following through by helping him address and mail it, is an act of purposeful parenting. Beyond Perfect.
Then, there was the waiting. When would Grammie get it? His mom had to reminded him that I would call, she was sure, when it arrived. Another lesson: patience. As a mom to her child, she helped him wait, and as a daughter who knew there would be tears of joy on this end, she too waited. Love is like that. I called. Beyond perfect.
Love has no uneven lines to be measured. I relearned that from Quinn.
And, like many gifts, it is a gift that keeps on giving. I have looked at that note several times already. I put it in a plastic sleeve to protect it from my tears and sticky fingers when I read it.
I think our grandson may have really hit on something. And he has not attended Harvard. In fact, he has not attended even one positive psychology class or gone into therapy or a recovery program.
Quinn did what love does. He shared it. Love is an energy and I caught it on a day I most needed it!
Achievement and excellence are desirable and even good. But love? Love expressed? Beyond perfect!
Thank you, Quinn. You kids teach “Grammie” a lot.
Take a moment and think about something that happened in your day or week that was beyond perfect. What might that have been for you? Remember to notice and acknowledge the things our children do that come from their heart, and to do the same for yourself!