About the Author

Anna works full-time for DaySpring from Minnesota, where she lives with her husband and four kids. Anna is the author of A Moment of Christmas and Pumpkin Spice for Your Soul, and she shares the good stuff of the regular, encouraging you to see the ordinary glory in your everyday.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. Anna,
    I do have to say that I am a recovering perfectionist…but it took a LONG time to get here. Perfectionism dies slowly. I can only encourage you that the joy and peace that I’ve found when I finally let go of everything having to be just so…is, well…holy. Whether we lift if up to God or lay it down…in the letting go of having to have everything be perfect, is where true joy is found. Wonderful post!
    Blessings to you,
    Bev

  2. Thank you for sharing. I, too, am a perfectionist— especially when it comes to things I consider important. At the start of this post, you spoke of giving up perfection to chase what’s holy; and my heart asked (almost aloud), “What’s the difference?” You see, I had always equated the two. I thought, “You can’t have perfection without holiness or holiness without perfection. Look at God!” You have made it clear that I was wrong. The ONLY PLACE my former line of thinking holds true is in Him. Certainly, we are to be like Him; but our self-efforts will never get us there. In fact, we’re likely to frustrate ourselves and everyone around us in the process. So, now this morning, because of this post; I have decided to let go of perfection to pursue holiness because that is the only way I can truly honor God and become like Him— which is my ultimate goal. Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving. Be blessed.

  3. Tears are in my eyes as I am reading this- once again, God has amazed me with His timing. Just before leaving for work this morning, I was praying about this very thing- I can feel the stress of the season starting before I can even smell a hint of turkey! My children are all single grown adults in their 20’s, but still the pressure is there (that I’ve created, not them) to create the perfect holiday, buy the perfect gift, plan the perfect plans so that I do not let anyone down or make a bad memory for them in any way. The pressure I put on myself in this season is tremendous, and I believe it’s mixed with a hint of pride….that all the happiness and joy of this time rests on my shoulders and on what I can produce as we move towards December 25th.

    This morning I sensed God telling me that is not how He would want me to approach this holiday season – thinking it’s all up to me. He doesn’t want me filled with pressure, but rather filled with peace that only He can give. I find myself in a repetitive pattern each year and have determined that this year will be different because I am going to lay all of this that i am so concerned about at His feet and trust Him each step of every busy day that is headed down the pike.

    Thank you for writing this – it hits spot on to exactly what I am experiencing. I’m printing it out and making it a daily read as I commit to living out this season God’s way and learning how to really celebrate.

  4. Anna,
    Your words are so honest and spot on for the holidays. I loved reading all of this and your words sank deep into my heart. I think I need to remember this advice for all year actually, as I have one daughter who doesn’t even like family pictures because I fussed over their position or smile one too many times. I can imagine this will serve you well this holiday with a newborn and unpredictability around the house! Wishing your family and you a very wonderful, lower-stress, love-filled holiday season!
    Blessings,
    Sara

  5. Anna, I love this post. I am a perfectionist in some ways, and recovering perfectionist in others. Dropping perfect and pursuing holy is the perfect mindset to enter the holiday season. God’s really been talking to me about not being too busy during this season. I love your perspective of thinking about how I make others feel. My desire is to make them feel like they are welcome, loved, accepted. Perfection won’t accomplish this, being present and open has a much better chance. May your Thanksgiving and Christmas be filled with moments of holiness and joy. 🙂

  6. I have never been a perfectionist and I know I never will be….way too much pressure and I am more relaxed. I think where my trouble comes is when I see family members wanting that perfect picture, Christmas dinner, clothing matched family attire and they get overwhelmed when its not going as planned (and I do too).

    My head starts racing and my words come out all jumbled. They can’t let it go until its perfect and I want them to relax, sit down, don’t worry about it. Usually those mixed thoughts and words can come out wrong and against one another….makes for an eventful holiday as always….

    We are what we are good or bad I guess.

  7. I choose holy over perfection but it’s easier said than done! The holidays are a constant reminder for me to slow down and let life unravel as it should. Thank you for this beautiful post Anna.

  8. I don’t think being a perfectionist is a bad thing, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48, I think that’s why we try so hard, it really takes the Holy Spirit to help navigate life. There will always be people who will remember good times, and some of those who rush through life, it’s important to take time for ourselves as well.

  9. Anna,
    I am certainly not perfect in any way! I have tended to want to “do it all” during December. All the concerts, caroling, gift buying, etc. As I get older I have slowed down and chosen a few things to attend. Mostly I want family time. This is especially important as our parents are aging and won’t be around much longer. In fact I cheat on Thanksgiving. I let the grocery store cook my meal for me and I just heat it up. So much less stress and then we all get to sit and enjoy!
    Blessings 🙂