Good Enough

When did that dreaded phrase - good enough - become the standard by which I live?  Recently I had an entire day trying to convince myself and anyone who was unfortunate enough to cross my path that good enough was - well - good enough.


The boys and I are planning to move this summer.  An exciting and daunting task.  The where, the what, the how much.  We have created a list of reasonable characteristics we want our new dwelling to have.  The other day we looked at a place that was perfect.  Well, close to perfect.  93% perfect.  But 93% is good enough, right?  The place is available now and we are not available to move until mid-June - but so what, I can figure it out.  The place has a really small 2nd bedroom - but so what, the boys clothes don't have to be in their room.  The place would eat up our summer vacation fund  - but so what, people can come visit us this year.


And then it hit me.  I heard myself talking, explaining, defending, justifying good enough.  This is a pattern in my life.  Square-peg-must-fit-in-round-hole.  I meet a man and suddenly, good enough becomes my mantra (I mean, nobody is perfect, right?).  I find a job and sadly my career goals are out the window (I mean, at least I have a job, right?).  I make decisions that resemble my desires but in fact - are not my desires at all.  I am constantly settling for close, almost, perfect-ish.


The boys and I went back to our written list and recommitted to our search criteria.  Once again, I am thankful for the team of people waiting in the wings pointing out the gaping in hole in the roof while I am distracted by granite countertops and bamboo flooring.