Carefree Imperfection

I am currently reading McCarthy's Bar by Pete McCarthy. In the book, on loan from my mother-in-law, Pete McCarthy chronicles his journeys through Ireland, in search for what makes the Irish, well, Irish. McCarthy is English, yet has an obsession with Ireland, his mother's homeland. He is always questioning, "Do I fit in?"

At one point in the book, McCarthy has had one too many drinks to drive home from a McCarthy's bar in West Cork, and therefore calls a cab. The cab driver turns out to be German, an increasing normality in Ireland. When asked why the German moved to Ireland, his response, "The people. I loff their carefree imperfection."

For a guilty perfectionist, "Carefree imperfection" seems so strange, yet it seems so wonderful. At the heart, do we not all believe that perfection in this lifetime is not possible...that we are striving for perfection, running the race set out for us with perseverance, but knowing that we will not obtain our prize here on earth? And with our imperfections comes peace, rest, and joy in God's grace.

It may be a stretch, but it hit home.

As I read this book, I am becoming even more intrigued by the people, land, and culture that I will soon have a chance to meet. I will be traveling to the west coast of Ireland this summer with Tim's family. I can't wait to experience the Irish carefree imperfection! And, as McCarthy puts it: "There is nothing like a short walk in the rain, followed by four or five hours in the pub, to make you appreciate your bed."