Meditation for Perfectionists – Tuesday February 25, 2025

Superhero No More

Psalm 118:8: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”

One day while talking to an associate he shared a portion of his recent counseling session with me. “People always expect me to fix everything,” he told his counselor. “I’m tired of trying to be right all the time. When will this all end?”

“When you decide you don’t want to live this way anymore,” said his counselor. “Do you want to stop pretending you’re superman with all the answers?”

“But no one will want to be with me if I admit I have needs and problems of my own,” he responded.

“Have I kicked you out yet?” joked the counselor.

My friend chuckled. “No, but I’m paying you.”

“The decision is yours,” repeated his counselor. Think about your choices. We’ll discuss it later.”

My friend left with a heavy heart. If he changed his behavior others would be upset. But one issue bothered him more: “If I stop helping everyone, will it be alright with God?” During the next week he studied his options and prayed. Then it dawned on him, “If I continue to play the superhero I encourage others to trust in me instead of God. Perhaps if I back off, their faith will have an opportunity to grow.” That day the weight of the world began to roll off his tired shoulders.

Lord, please forgive me
for trying to play God.

Copyright Joan C. Webb

For more from Joan Webb visit www.joancwebb.com