From Perfectionism to Peace

2012/September by Marji Laine 5 Comments

I’m so honored to host an amazing debut author, Keli Gwyn on my blog today. Hopefully by the time you read this I will have actually gotten to hug her neck! And even though I’m officially at the national conference for the American Christian Fiction Writers, I’ll be checking in to chat with those of you who stop by and say hi!

Guest Post by Keli Gwyn

Does perfectionism plague you?

It does me. I jokingly refer to myself as a recovering perfectionist. I’m one of those with alphabetized spices and a color-coded clothes closet. While those aren’t bad things, my detail-oriented nature trips me up from time to time.

As a writer, my tendency to take too much time getting just the right word or finding just the right fact can bring my creativity to a grinding halt.

As a believer, I often put the same kind of pressure on myself, causing me to suffer guilt when I fail to live up to my expectations of what a “good Christian” should be, experiencing stress instead of joy.

I read the following verse recently, and something struck me that I’d never seen before.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

When I’ve read this in the past, I’ve focused on two things. One is the sacrifice the Lord made for our sake. The other—the fact that He is the author of our faith—touches this writer’s soul, knowing He can relate to me.

In my recent reading, the word “perfector” stood out. I can’t be the perfect Christian or live the perfect Christian life on my own. Christ is the One who perfects my faith. I found this insight freeing.

I can’t be the perfect Christian or live the perfect Christian life on my own. Tweet this

Perfectionism, in my case, can be an attempt to control things. To be the one in charge, whether it’s in my writing or my spiritual life. When I surrender to the Lord, He’s free to work His will in my life unhindered, and I can enjoy the freedom and sense of peace that come from relinquishing control.

Your Turn : Do you ever struggle with perfectionism? Does turning over control come easily for you?

I’m so glad that Keli shared with us here at Faith~Driven Fiction. And the topic hits way-close to home for me. I’m struggling with the desire to be perfect right now and need to be satisfied with Christ’s goodness and the best I can do. Keli mentioned to me that her main character, Elenora, has a hard time relinquishing control. I’m glad I’m not the only one!

Keli’s book, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, is getting exceptional reviews! I and my redhead both loved it. See my review HERE.

Keli Gwyn writes stories that transport readers to the 1800s, where she brings historic towns to life, peoples them with colorful characters, and adds a hint of humor. A California native, she lives in the Gold Rush-era town of Placerville at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Her debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, set in the heart of the Gold Country where she lives is currently available.