I have a photo on the desktop of my computer I took and like very much.

The image was taken at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Japanese garden in Saint Louis. There’s an arched bridge in the background and a small lake in the foreground. There are reflections in the water. A mild breeze was blowing on the surface of the water, so its reflection was blurred. There is a large, cracked rock in the lake. I was thinking that it wouldn’t be hard to do Photoshop tricks and make this photo perfect – smooth out the water and fix the crack in the rock.

Then I thought, “why?”

Imperfections show the reality of an object or person. A perfect picture gives a sense of unreality. It’s the same with human beings.

When I see someone who is picture perfect I get the sense there’s something disingenuous about them.

I am most drawn to people who can let their flaws be seen. I enjoy seeing them creatively deal with these shortcomings.

In working with my flaws, I find that these shortcomings transform into wisdom. Doing this work allows me to see the wisdom in other flawed people.

This wisdom helps me love all others, have more peace and feel the presence of spirit.