Embracing Imperfection

Received this story in an email:-

"When I was a little girl, I could remember my mom making breakfast and dinner for us.
And I remember one night in particular, when she had made dinner after a long, hard day at work.
On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of vegetables, salad and burned chappati in front of my dad.
I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed.
Yet all my dad did was to reach for his chappati, smiled at mom and asked me how my day was at school.
I don't remember what I told him that night, but, I do remember watching him smear chatani on that chappati and ate every bite!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad
For burning the chapati.
And I'll never forget what he said.
"Baby, I love burnt chapati."
Later that night, I went to kiss daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his chapati burnt.
He wrapped me in his arms and said,
"Dear, your momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides, a little burnt chappati never hurt anyone.
You know, life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people."

I am not the best housekeeper or cook.
What I've learnt over the years
Is that learning to accept each other's faults
And choosing to celebrate each other's differences
Is one of the most important keys
for creating a healthy, growing,
And lasting relationship.
And that's my prayer for you today,
that you will learn to take
The good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life
And lay them at the feet of God.
Because in the end,
He's the only One who will be able
To give you a relationship
Where burnt chappati isn't a deal-breaker
We could extend this to any relationship, in fact.
As understanding is the base of any relationship -
Be it a husband - wife, or parent - child or even with friends.

Don't put the key to your happiness in
someone else's pocket, but, into your own."