This year, I’m using the Present Over Perfect Guided Journal. I read Shauna Neiquist’s Present Over Perfect book when it came out a few years ago and so much of it just connected with me. When I saw she had created a journal, I knew it was right for this season of my life. The journal has small excerpts from the book and prompts to help you think, reflect, and write. I’ll be sharing some of the prompts and my responses.
Prompt (pg. 82): How can you choose to be present over perfect in this season, in your home, with your people?
Well, that is the question isn’t it? That is what I’ve been trying to do in this season of life, although I don’t know how good I’ve been at it.
To be more fully present, I went part-time at work and work mostly from home. I’m trying to listen to my kids in all their chatter, even when I don’t want to hear it. I’m digging into the messiness of middle schoolers and trying to give appropriate freedom while still being present.
I still find myself checking out though. I check out and escape with that goofy ball sort game and Tik Tok and tv. I’m escaping that which is right around me and procrastinating the inevitable, the hard.
Lord Jesus, take away the distractions. Keep me focused on the main thing and being present in my life…
Rev. Kris Mares 