Progress Over Perfection: Embracing Growth in Your Faith and Life

Striving for Progress, Not Perfection

I recently read a story about a well-known pastor who took eight months off for self-reflection—to examine his life and identify areas where he needed spiritual growth. While I admire his dedication, I have to be honest… it wouldn’t take me eight months to recognize where I fall short!

Self-reflection is a good thing—not as a way to dwell on our mistakes, but as an opportunity to acknowledge where we can grow. Lately, I’ve been taking stock of my own life, and I have a revelation that won’t shock anyone…

I am not perfect. Not even close.

One of my favorite lines comes from Mary Poppins when the children ask how she measures up, and she responds, “Practically perfect in every way.” I sometimes jokingly say this when people ask how I’m doing, but in reality, I know I’m far from perfect.

Still, I strive to be better—as a wife, mother, daughter, and, most importantly, as a child of God. But no matter how hard I try, I still see areas where I need to improve.

Falling Short in the Roles That Matter Most

When I reflect on the most defining roles of my life, I see both joy and failure.

As a Daughter

I was a “fairly” good child growing up. I had my moments of disobedience, like everyone else, but I don’t think I caused my parents too many sleepless nights. Now, as an adult, I know I need to call them more, visit more often, and be more present.

I have every good intention, but somehow, the demands of daily life pull me in different directions, and before I know it, another week has slipped away.

As a Wife

I love my husband deeply, but if I’m being honest, I often take him for granted. I assume he understands that I’m busy, that my workload is overwhelming, and that he can take care of himself for now. But when I think back to my wedding vows, I don’t recall them including the words, “Take care of yourself when I’m busy.”

Love should be intentional. Appreciation should be shown, not assumed.

As a Mother

If I started listing all my failures as a mom, I could fill a book. I made plenty of mistakes, but by God’s grace, my children turned out well despite my shortcomings. I did the best I could, but I often wonder: Could I have done more?

As a Child of God

This is the area where I struggle the most. I want to grow in my faith, but I fall short—daily.

I take comfort in knowing that I’m not alone. Even the Apostle Paul, who was one of the most faithful followers of Christ, admitted his own struggles:

Romans 7:15 (NIV)
“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”

That verse makes me feel seen. The struggle to be better is real, but the key isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

Looking Back: Have I Grown?

I recently heard a question that stopped me in my tracks:

“If the person you were last year could see the person you are today, would they be proud?”

That question shook me because, if I’m being honest, there are many areas where my answer would be no.

But instead of letting that discourage me, I’ve decided to start small. Big changes don’t happen overnight, but small, intentional steps can make a difference.

Small Steps Toward Big Change

I don’t need to overhaul my entire life in a day, but I can start with small, doable changes:

• As a daughter: I can commit to calling my parents and children a couple of times a week.
• As a wife: I can make it a priority to put away my phone and laptop and enjoy an uninterrupted dinner with my husband.
• As a child of God: I can refuse to start my day with distractions until I’ve spent time with the Lord.

These small steps might not seem like much, but they add up.

I will never be perfect—not even practically perfect, as Mary Poppins would say—but I want to look back a year from now and see progress.

To GOD Goes The Glory!

Have A Blessed Day!

Let’s End with a Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and patience as I strive to grow in my faith and in my relationships. Help me to focus on progress, not perfection, and to trust that even small steps bring me closer to You. Teach me to be more present with my family, more intentional with my time, and more reliant on Your wisdom. May I look back a year from now and see the evidence of Your work in my life.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.