Perfection is the gold standard today in entertainment, transportation, and now politics.  While it may be the sought-after standard, it has yet to be reality.  The perfection which is seen in entertainment is actually the result of many attempts which have been expertly edited.  The perfection of driverless vehicles seems to be a reality now, but it is yet to be proven what such a vehicle will do when an unpredictable event occurs.  Do I even need to mention the inane calls for perfection in our political figures? We have never had a perfect leader in our nation’s history…so why do we expect one now?

            In a school of gifted students, we have to be on guard for demands of perfection by parents, teachers, and even the students themselves.  Usually, gifted students are hardest to convince that it is not possible for one to be perfect in all areas of academics or the affective domain.  As I’ve noted in a previous article, our Asian students hated the “dreaded Asian ‘F’” which was an “A-“ …not acceptable to their parents.

            I think parents of students in sports sometimes push the hardest.  Many are living out their own dreams through their children’s accomplishments.  For some families, scholarships to college are the only path that can take their children to success.  So, the push gets stronger and stronger to perform at a level near perfection.  In academic, hours are spent studying for ACT and SAT tests until a score of 32 or better can be made.

            Yet, I hardly ever hear anyone talking about seeking perfection in forgiveness of others, loving the unlovely persons, caring for the needy, or bringing about peace in our own spheres of influence.  I don’t hear our politicians seeking perfection in giving our nation’s citizens our inalienable rights as stated in our constitution. 

            I note that Billy Graham, spiritual advisor to our nation’s leaders for many decades died this week at 99 years of age.  He truly sought to lead others to that “perfect” relationship with God.  Never did he take a detour from that mission.  He was respected by leaders and commoners the world over.  So, he is a noteworthy example to follow.  Another way to start our day with a proper viewpoint about “perfecting” life would be to read the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi.

                                                                                   Kay