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3MN: When imperfect goodness defeated the forces of near-perfect evil.

3MN: When imperfect goodness defeated the forces of near-perfect evil.

Happy Thursday!

In the next 3 minutes:

  1. What the world's oldest typo has to do with you.
  2. When imperfect goodness defeated the forces of near-perfect evil.
  3. The "good enough" version of me.

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Minute 1 - God loves imperfect things.

I read an article this week about the world's oldest typo. It's found on the backside of an ancient, massive statue of Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II.

If you look closely at the hieroglyphics, you'll see the print of a bird facing backwards. Apparently they stuck mud over their mess-up, like ancient white-out, and continued on with their work. Today, their mistake gets studied by experts and read about by thousands of people like you and me.

Whenever you witness your imperfection this week, remember your mistakes probably won't be big enough to be seen thousands of years later. I find myself thinking only perfect things are lovable. Yet the Gospels say very clearly that God loves imperfect things and uses our imperfection to bring about His goodness in the world.

God isn't taking a microscope to your failures. He's using them.

Minute 2 - Imperfect goodness.

The following quote is attributed to Michael Dipaulo, French Consulate Staff Member, Addressing U.S. Veterans in 2001.

We live in a free world today because in 1945 the forces of imperfect goodness defeated the forces of near-perfect evil.
Dachau inmates celebrate their liberation. [National Archives]

Minute 3 - The "good enough" version of me.

Perfection doesn't need grace. Misfits like me need grace.

Here is the tricky thing about perfection, it's slippery. Every time you think you've attained it, the definition changes.

When we focus too much on that perfect outcome, we forget to enjoy the good things right in front of us. It's like being so busy looking for a unicorn that you miss all the amazing horses around you!

So, remember, perfect might be fun to imagine, but it's not how things always are.

  • Imagine your "perfect" self. What does this person look like, do, and have?
  • Imagine a "good enough" version of yourself. What are the key differences?

How can you focus on cultivating the "good enough" qualities?

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Remember: Small changes lead to lasting breakthroughs. Reply to this email and let me know how it went.

VERSE OF THE WEEK

“God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” - 2 Corinthians 5:19

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See you next Thursday,

Payton Minzenmayer

P.S. - See stunning shots from 27 US national parks.