Recently I wrote a small piece on the burden of perfectionism. With it I included a quote from Dallas Willard: “And then there are the pure in heart, the ones for whom nothing is good enough, not even themselves. (Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.). These are the perfectionist. They are a pain to everyone, themselves most of all.” Then to read Fenelon! He states the burden concisely. Quite sobering. Thanks for sharing this at this time. It helps.
Celeste, I appreciate the connection between Willard's reflections and Fenelon's words. Fantastic insight and spot on. Thanks for taking the time to read and share. By the way, how is the Desert Fathers project coming along? Any progress or insights gathered?
As someone who has struggled with idealism and perfectionism with myself and others, I certainly agree that self is the greatest of crosses to bear. Learning to step outside my own ideas of myself and outside of the insistent ego has been my saving grace.
Korie, thanks so much for taking the time to read and share; it means a lot. The journey of moving beyond our own idealism and perfectionism is difficult but so fruitful. May you go from glory to glory.
This met me right where I’m at this morning. I’ve been reflecting on God’s long-suffering, and ironically being frustrated that I’m not with myself, my journey. 😉
I love the quote from St. John Climacus - it served to reorient my heart today! Yes to looking forward at the goodness and growth that’s yet to come through the lens of God’s love and grace!
Leila, your honesty about the tension between recognizing God's long-suffering and grappling with impatience in your own journey is something many of us can relate to. Thanks for sharing your heart and thoughts—it enriches the conversation!
I enjoyed this post, even months after its posting. A lot of Christian’s are believers by mouth but practical atheists by life. One of the key distinctions between sheep and goats is that of daily dying. If one is not daily confessing and repenting, I feel it’s a mere pretending faith than real believing faith. It’s not an option to not die daily. We have got to be disciplined, otherwise we open ourselves up for the evil way to creep in, and the strange woman (Prov. 2:12,16). Great post brother.
Recently I wrote a small piece on the burden of perfectionism. With it I included a quote from Dallas Willard: “And then there are the pure in heart, the ones for whom nothing is good enough, not even themselves. (Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.). These are the perfectionist. They are a pain to everyone, themselves most of all.” Then to read Fenelon! He states the burden concisely. Quite sobering. Thanks for sharing this at this time. It helps.
Celeste, I appreciate the connection between Willard's reflections and Fenelon's words. Fantastic insight and spot on. Thanks for taking the time to read and share. By the way, how is the Desert Fathers project coming along? Any progress or insights gathered?
I will send you an update; the response is too lengthy for here.
As someone who has struggled with idealism and perfectionism with myself and others, I certainly agree that self is the greatest of crosses to bear. Learning to step outside my own ideas of myself and outside of the insistent ego has been my saving grace.
Korie, thanks so much for taking the time to read and share; it means a lot. The journey of moving beyond our own idealism and perfectionism is difficult but so fruitful. May you go from glory to glory.
Love this excerpt! So helpful.
Jennifer, thanks for the encouragement; I’m glad you found Fenelon's insights as meaningful as I did!
This met me right where I’m at this morning. I’ve been reflecting on God’s long-suffering, and ironically being frustrated that I’m not with myself, my journey. 😉
I love the quote from St. John Climacus - it served to reorient my heart today! Yes to looking forward at the goodness and growth that’s yet to come through the lens of God’s love and grace!
Leila, your honesty about the tension between recognizing God's long-suffering and grappling with impatience in your own journey is something many of us can relate to. Thanks for sharing your heart and thoughts—it enriches the conversation!
I enjoyed this post, even months after its posting. A lot of Christian’s are believers by mouth but practical atheists by life. One of the key distinctions between sheep and goats is that of daily dying. If one is not daily confessing and repenting, I feel it’s a mere pretending faith than real believing faith. It’s not an option to not die daily. We have got to be disciplined, otherwise we open ourselves up for the evil way to creep in, and the strange woman (Prov. 2:12,16). Great post brother.