It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life

Dear Well Watered Women;

Recently I was invited by author Joan C Webb to be a host on her It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life Blog Tour. My initial thought upon being asked was hmm, let me think about it. After visiting Joan’s site and reading snippets of her books, I knew without doubt that this was a God appointment.
Joan’s latest book, It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life: Devotional Readings for Women Who Strive Too Hard to Make it Just Right, spoke to my heart in such a personal way. It was as if she was walking alongside life with me and penned the process of our journey




Joan is a woman we can all probably relate to. Joan herself is a recovering workaholic and perfectionist who communicates a message of freedom and renewal. As a personal life coach, lifeplan facilitator, and speaker/Bible communicator, she longs to help others gain clarity and move past their obstacles. Joan is the author or co-author of eleven books, including The Intentional Woman, The Relief of Imperfection, and It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life. She also wrote study notes for the Women of Faith Study Bible. She lives with her husband, Richard, in Chandler, Arizona, near their two married children and seven grandchildren.

"It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life" is a collection of daily reminders that God wants and longs to relieve women from living in a continually overwhelmed state. There is a difference between “trying too hard to make it all just right” (the mental chase for flawlessness, which is impossible) and “partnering with God for excellence” (enjoying quality in balance, which is not only possible, but reasonable). We can reduce our unrealistic expectations about our relationships, bodies, work, dreams and faith.

I want to share this devotional from Joan with you all...

Personal Respite

It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? -Psalm 127:2, THE MESSAGE

Respite became one of my favorite words during my initial recovery from perfectionism-induced workaholism and burnout. Respite: An interval of rest and relief; a cessation for a time; a breather, recess, or break; relaxation. I wrote this definition in calligraphy on parchment paper, then framed and hung it where I saw it often. Richard and I even named our boat, Respite I, and it soon became our simple get-away from what Jane Chesnutt, editor-in-chief at Woman’s Day magazine calls the “over-scheduled, over-worried, over-whatevered life.”

According to my Bible, Solomon wrote the words of Psalm 127:2. It’s part of a song and I find it fascinating that this king who lived a powerful bigger-better-more life inscribed these song lyrics.

Our loving Heavenly Father enjoys giving us respite. How about that? I’m wondering: Have you found a place to go and relax? A place where time is no longer a tyrant? Perhaps you’ve found respite under a tree in the nearby park—or on the back pew of a downtown Cathedral—or at the corner table of the neighborhood library—or kneeling over the roses in your garden—or lounging on the swing on your front porch.

These “breathers” from our “over-whatevered” lives need not be elaborate, only refreshing. Claim one for yourself and celebrate the moments with God.

Lord, since you enjoy giving me rest and respite, I accept. Thank you.
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This devotional especially spoke to my heart today as I have been having a very difficult time resting during my recovery process.
In spite of having had major surgery almost 2 weeks ago, I felt I needed to continue to do, be, move and go at the same pace I was prior to my operation.
Joan’s devotional confirmed and encouraged me to accept the gift of rest and respite the Lord is so freely giving.
I am going to intentionally and with no apologies take the time I need to rest, recover and heal; the world will not stop spinning if I take a break.
My body is a temple of God and I’m sure he’d just as soon not live in a broken down palace.

Joan’s It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life Blog Tour includes 21 stops and you can read tomorrows devotional at Child of the King.
You can see all of the stops as well as catch up on the past devotionals at: http://www.joancwebbblog.com/imperfect-blog-tour/
I hope you all will join me in following the tour.

You can find Joan's book HERE at Amazon.com

Blessings and respite until next time;