Perfectly Imperfect

They tell me that “practice makes perfect,” but to me that implies that perfection is an end result. I personally beg to differ. When discussing items that are deemed “perfect” an image typically comes to mind of one set ideal state. Therefore, if there is one set ideal for each item, be it the perfect chair, perfect bed or even as specific as the perfect red, bowler hat, perfect must truly be unattainable. And, even if perfection could be reached, imperfection is one scuff or accident away. How then is something so exhaustive, volatile and increasingly fickle so desirable?

I would venture to assert that perfection is not an end result and is not seen in the flawless, for the biggest, most unavoidable flaw of the flawless is their risk for flaw. For me, perfection is found in the imperfect, and not for their potential to be improved, but for the fact that they are and have been. Each person that actually lives is perfectly imperfect and is attaining a new end result each day. The great dynamic of being human is that every human is a finished product and tomorrow each human will be a new finished product, and that is perfect.

Traditionally for something to be perfect it must be without flaw. I contest that any human that lives his life and allows the same privilege to others is truly without flaw. Flaws, I believe, belong to the beholder, for I believe that rather than flaws, people possess differences and though I may not enjoy your differences, they make you no less perfect than mine make me. In the end, those that truly love and care about us will not see flaws but differences; whether of opinion, love or life it doesn’t matter.

An acquaintance once asked me what I considered my flaws. I replied, “I have none.” And when he laughed, I responded, “What you consider flaws, I consider a test of friendship and you just failed.”

In a world where perfect is highly sought after, stop searching and begin to live, and in living you will find that you are already perfectly imperfect.