Waiting for Mr. Right might as well be waiting for Godot.  Now, I realize that “Mr. Right” is an old saw for the perfect fella and every girl’s dream, but I think he’s taken.  

It’s awfully hard to find the ideal.  I admire and applaud those with hopes and dreams, but reality comes home to us all after a bit.  It may be that what said girl is looking for is not actually to be found. Not to be gender-biased, let’s apply this idea to all our pursuits.  Do we occasionally (even often) find ourselves in noble pursuit of the unicorn?

You see, we live in a fallen world.  In practical terms, this means there are no optimal ideals to be found or realized.  Everything has been tainted by sin. This understanding led Solomon to declare everything empty.  It is the frustration of the good. We must realize that everything has a downside and factor it into our decision-making.  Even our own best deeds are filthy in the sight of God. We are great sinners in need of a great Savior. Everything is imperfect.  It’s not Mr. Goodwrench or Mr. Badwrench- it’s Mr. Wrench.     

Such thoughts should steer us toward humility and caution rather than frustration and defeat.  God does not mean for us to be unhappy, and we need not be. We can receive forgiveness of sins by asking in simplicity and sincerity.  Comfort and help in times of trouble are a prayer away at any time. Fellow believers are a constant source of strength for the sincere Christ-follower.  God has given us resources in our fallen world. Some of these help us deal with personal shortcomings, but we must also contend with disappointment in the order of things.

Allow yourself to be happy.  That’s hard for sincere people to do.  The guilt of past sins and disappointments can be overwhelming, but don’t require perfection of yourself or others.  It will never be. Bill Withers said, “One of the things I always tell my kids is that it’s OK to head out for Wonderful, but on your way to Wonderful, you’re gonna have to pass through All Right.  When you get to All Right, take a good look around and get used to it, because that may be as far as you’re gonna go.” The parameters of progress are not totally within our control.

There’s a lot to be said for ringing the bell, but there’s also a lot to be said for being satisfied.  A preacher friend once told me, “If a person can’t be satisfied with doing their best, pride has entered the picture.”  Scripture says pride is a trap. It traps us in discontent. Humility and gratitude for God’s gifts will help us escape the slough of despond.

My achievements may not reach the level of hope, but they can be my best undergirded by God’s grace.  Realizing the need for grace and the impossibility of perfection, I can be happy with you- and me.         

Sterl