Lessons from an Ugly Sweater

While we were working at one of our campgrounds, I had a special request to make an “ugly sweater.”   Little did I know just how difficult this would be for me.   I’ve made a similar sweater before, so that wasn’t the trouble.   I know how to crochet.   I know how to put the pieces together to form the sweater.   The actual work wasn’t the hard part.   Much to my surprise, the most difficult part for me was creating something that wasn’t perfect.

As surprising as this was, it really shouldn’t have been.   I have been known to struggle with perfectionism on a regular basis.   So, making something; especially something for someone else… that was meant to be imperfect? WOW!   What a battle for me.

Even as I finished it and was ready to deliver it, I was wincing just thinking about just how “ugly” and “imperfect” this sweater was.  I hid my face, and my embarrassment showed as I gingerly handed off the sweater.  

However, to my surprise, it was received with enthusiasm and confirmation that it was exactly what he was looking for.   Even then, I had a hard time accepting that this ugly, far-from-perfect sweater was worth two cents.  

It wasn’t until he asked if he could tag me on Facebook in a video he had made while wearing the sweater that something shifted.   I hesitantly agreed.  Once I watched the video and saw his enthusiasm for this crazy looking garment, I realized something.   The problem wasn’t with the sweater, the problem was me!

Now let’s make some connections here.   After pondering this for a while, it dawned on me that perfectionism is truly a hindrance.   I don’t have to be perfect to be valuable.   I am valuable because God declares my value.   If my worth were based on my efforts, all hope would be lost.   But because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ--who IS perfect-- I am given His perfection.

While my life might not reflect that entirely at the moment, He is transforming me to be more and more like Him.   In the meantime, I can rest knowing that He isn’t asking me to present a flawless version of myself—only a willing one. Just like that sweater, my life in His hands is received with joy, purpose, and a place to belong. What I call “ugly” or “not enough,” He can use in ways I never imagined.

And maybe, just maybe, the very imperfections I try so hard to hide are the places where His grace shines the brightest.

THINK ABOUT IT

Why do you feel pressure to present a “perfect” version of yourself to others?

What imperfections do you try hardest to hide, and why?

What would change if you believed, deep down, that your value is God-given rather than performance-based?