Damaged Goods

I am somewhat of a perfectionist. Most people when buying something new will tend to pick the one without any flaws such as scratches, etc. I remember when I bought this car I really wanted, a white corvette. I thought it was flawless. I would always be careful where I parked it so it would not get any scratches or dings. If I came out of the store and someone was parked close to me I would always check to see if their door may have hit my car. Then one day I was washing my car and there it was.. a ding, and then I found a scratch and another. The damage had been done. But a funny thing happened. I experienced a sense of relief; no longer did I have to worry about that first imperfection. I actually could enjoy the car more. You see we all have been damaged in some way; spiritually, physically, emotionally… We are all imperfect. Realizing this, if we can be a little less judgmental and a little more compassionate then we may enhance the lives of others as well as ourselves. How would the world be changed if we embraced imperfections instead of shunning them? Would there be more love? “Imperfection leads to growth, for without it there would be no reason to improve” (D.Walls). Imperfection is not always bad, sometimes things that are DAMAGED may still be GOOD. J

Love Makes All the Colors Look Good

Last night I came home after a long day at work and got ready to feed my dog. I had bought a new dog food to try that was supposed to be healthy and for older dogs. I opened it and filled her bowl. Then I saw it, all different colors. I thought here we go. You see, before when her dog food was different colors she would pick certain ones out and lay them on the floor and not eat them. After she was done I would clean up the mess. Well sure enough she started to pick out certain colors and lay them on the floor. My first reaction after a long day was to feel a little perturbed. Then I paused for a moment and thought what if I petted her while she was eating, maybe she would associate the good feeling with the eating and do something different. I gently petted her and saw her tail begin to wag as she was eating, so I knew I was not disturbing her. I did this for a minute or two and walked away. When I came back a few minutes later, to my surprise, she had eaten all of her food, even the ones she had picked out and laid on the floor. Then I thought, maybe love makes all the colors look good.