I was quite young when I first saw the movie, Mary Poppins. And I admit it was quite the delightful experience. Yet, for some reason, this week as I write this newsletter, I am captivated by this line in the movie, “As I suspected, Mary Poppins. Practically perfect in every way.” Particularly the word, “perfect,” sticks out to me. It is a word that I find uncomfortable for a lot of reasons, namely because it is an impossible standard. Perfection demands far too much, and depending on the situation, perfection isn’t even attainable or desirable for an outcome. To be practically perfect is to be a person that no longer grows, no longer learns, or even holds the very essence of humanity in their soul anymore.

Yet somehow, we believe that perfection will save us from the great problems of the world. But that is not who God created us to be. God loves us even in imperfection. Even in the problems of sin and death that cause such great separation between people, God loves us anyway. Our baptisms are the signs and seal of God’s love for us, even before we could say anything in return. This love runs so deep as to love us even when we are at our worst.

To strive for greatness is an admirable quality, but to strive for perfection leads to great anxiety. When we can come to rest in knowing that God loves us even when we are not perfect, it may help us to see that God has claimed us as his own and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the love of our Lord!

God bless you, friends!

Pastor Evan Meester, September 2026