Plopped down on the mountainside of an otherwise crowded picnic spot and all of it feels clearer. The Latin music playing, mufflers rattling down the canyon and dogs barking, it still feels peaceful to me.

Church on Sunday and singing hymns with a croaky throat from a still lingering cough, I read “we’ll sing praises” but to me it read more like “well, go ahead, sing praises.” It reminded me of a phrase that came to my mind a couple of years ago. It’s become commonplace in our home as a quotable and something I try to hold myself to.

It doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

It’s guiding this ambition to write, to sing, to learn the guitar, to homeschool and to parent. Accepting “it doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful” allows for liberating growth happening simultaneously with all the other life things.

This approach works when I am leaning in towards Jesus. It works when I am doing the best I can to do God’s will, that’s when it works. Jesus takes my efforts and multiplies them like fishes to feasts. I am at peace when I believe Him. It’s not accepting mediocrity. It’s accepting and pursuing growth and help from the best source possible.

On a day this week when I couldn’t see my way forward, I took a drive and this song came to my mind as my answer from Jesus. “Lean on me, when you’re not strong, I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on.” It was “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” wrapped up in a song for me. I felt it and my drive home was calm.

A different time during the week I was led to this quote:

“Yes, this work requires sacrifice . . . It requires effort, it means courage to speak out and faith to try. … It needs men and women of solemn purpose. We know that there are some limits on what you can do, but we know also that there need be no limits on enthusiasm, planning, thoughtful consideration, and effort.” – President Hinckley

What do you feel called to do? Does it feel clumsy or pointless? I felt that way the last few weeks trying to learn the guitar, maybe putting in 5 tired minutes right before bed, and losing interest being unable to play real songs. I wasn’t practicing songs, just chords. The same chords.

Whatever it is you are working away at, Let God be the judge of it’s effectiveness. It is a privilege to trust Him. When partnered with Jesus, It doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. I’d love to know what you are working towards. Let’s do this together!

Check out my efforts at Lean on Me, recorded by my awesome son. We had fun laughing through it a little. Some things that I can do now that I couldn’t do before include: using a pick, trying out this gem-of-a-find-guitar from the local thrift store, moving faster between chords and, tapping my foot (I guess it’s a skill – it adds to the coordination dilemma) and strumming… a bit more intentionally. I hope you have a wonderful week and feel empowered to lean into your ambitions even when you’re not strong. He’ll help you carry on!