Forget perfection. You won't see it on earth. We speak not of inner purity.

This we must seek -- earnestly, with all our strength.

What we're talking about here is wanting a life on earth free from disappointment -- from anything and anyone falling short for us; we're talking about things always going our way.

Forget that. Won't happen. Ever.

That would destroy the tests (and lessons) of life!

Expect the best -- the positive -- but not perfection. (Only Christ was that.)

You know how it is: things will be going great, impeccably, you nearly want to bottle the moment -- find the secret formula -- but before you have time to celebrate, the devil is around the corner, waiting with a two-by-four. How many times has a terrific day turned very challenging, with the suddenness of a thunderclap?

You never know what's right around the curve or corner.

Life is a curvy road and as you round a bend there can be one car coming from a road to the right and another careening in the oncoming lane.

Thus: vigilance.

At Lourdes, did not the Blessed Virgin say, "I do not promise to make you happy in this world but in the other"?

No, there will always be struggles. There'll be good days and those that are not so great and those that are outright terrible. We can certainly mitigate the bad ones through prayer, fasting, and a proper attitude (as well, of course, as holy behavior). With preparation, we buffer much!

But perfection? No. And there is joy in this! Struggle purifies.

And purgatory here, if it leads to fruit, is better than in the hereafter.

"Expect to encounter adversity in your life, remembering that you live in a deeply fallen world," said a word of knowledge. "Stop trying to find a way that circumvents difficulties. The main problem with an easy life is that it masks your need for Me. Anticipate coming face to face with impossibilities: situations totally beyond your ability to handle. This awareness of your inadequacy is not something you should try to evade. It is precisely where I want you -- the best place to encounter Me in My Glory and Power. When you see armies of problems marching toward you, cry out to Me! Allow Me to fight for you. Watch Me work on your behalf, as you rest in the shadow of My Almighty Presence."

This means we take matters as they come: jumping over hurdles, instead of lamenting them; riding waves instead of thrashing against a rip current; letting God guide us in all things with equanimity of spirit.

Fearing no nodus;

And that means right-headedness.

What is "wrong-headedness"?

It's complaining. It is feeling entitled. It's caustic language. It is criticality. Haughtiness. It is depression. Neurosis. It's obsession. Stress.

When someone knows it all, they know nothing.

It is crying over spilt milk, over not getting everything we wanted (so to speak) for Christmas (when all we should be looking for is Jesus, in the humility of a crib).

We are only "perfect," and whole, when we can face disappointment with a smile, knowing that  life goes up and down like a wave; that there are tides; that what God  gives, He may take away, and that what He takes away, He gives back in a way and frame of time that's mysterious and unpredictable (a way only He determines; stop trying).

Forget predicting that.

When we die, the Lord's timing and methods will make sense, instantly.

So will our "troubles."

We put that in quotes because trials are opportunities.

"Oh, now I see!" you will say. "Oh, that makes perfect sense. I understand now. No wonder. Thanks You, Lord. Why didn't I figure it out! How could I have been so distraught, so upset?"

As you see this, God will be embracing you with a love in a perfect place beyond time, beyond infinity. The worst crisis will be as nothing!

Take what comes as a "good test" and you transcend it.

Many like to use this word today -- "Perfect." You hear it often, especially among those in sales, at hotels, many places. And it's a nice way of feeling: upbeat. It's important to put sunshine on what we do: make ourselves and others feel good. Indeed, be positive.

And it's understandable to seek comfort.

Who doesn't? Who wants wrenches thrown into a "perfect" day?

But in reality, just remember: there is this thing called entropy -- all things eventually devolve, and dissolve -- and that life will not and can't be perfect until you are in Heaven.

[resources: What You Take To Heaven and A Life of Blessings]