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Embracing Wabi-Sabi: Finding Beauty In The Imperfection Day 75 of Exodus 90: A Journey Toward Freedom and Brotherhood

Embracing Wabi-Sabi: Finding Beauty In The Imperfection

Day 75 of Exodus 90: A Journey Toward Freedom and Brotherhood

At this point in the journey, the struggles have revealed themselves fully, the finish line is in sight, and we all can’t wait for this journey to be over. It is here, in the raw and unfiltered moments, that we find the perfect place to embrace wabi-sabi.  Besides being fun to say, I bet you are wondering what in the world I am talking about.  Back from Japan, I have been on this kick to continue to immerse myself in all things Japanese.  They are just such an amazing culture.  One thing I learned about there was a phrase called wabi-sabi—the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and authenticity.  And as I reflected on our discussion this past Sunday, it started coming to mind.    

Much like wabi-sabi, Exodus 90 isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about embracing the process. It’s about learning to sit with discomfort, to appreciate what we have in its truest form, and to let go of the distractions and excess that cloud our vision of what is truly important. This program strips away the modern conveniences we often take for granted—alcohol, sweets, entertainment, social media—and forces us to confront life as it is, not as we curate it to appear. In doing so, it teaches us to see beauty in simplicity and in the raw, unfiltered moments of our daily existence.

We often look at the sacrifices of Exodus 90 as a form of self-denial, but through the lens of wabi-sabi, they become an invitation to gratitude. The absence of distractions allows us to fully appreciate the present moment. Cold showers remind us of our physical resilience. Silence in the absence of constant media consumption teaches us to hear God’s voice more clearly. The lack of indulgence in unnecessary purchases or mindless snacking helps us cherish what we do have rather than seek fulfillment in excess. In these ways, we cultivate a mindset of appreciation rather than deprivation.

This journey also celebrates imperfection—our own and that of those around us. Exodus 90 is not about becoming perfect men but about becoming real men, men who are deeply aware of their strengths and struggles, men who strive for holiness while acknowledging their flaws. We fall, we falter, we grow weary, but in doing so, we become more human, more connected to God, and more reliant on the brotherhood to help pick us back up.

And as we near the end of these 90 days, we recognize another key lesson of wabi-sabi: impermanence. This season of structured discipline will end, but the mindset it cultivates does not have to. We learn to savor the fleeting moments, the quiet triumphs, the deep conversations, the simple joys that too often go unnoticed in the rush of modern life. We realize that holiness, like beauty, is not found in perfection but in the ability to embrace life fully, as it is, and to see the sacredness in the ordinary.

Exodus 90, like wabi-sabi, is an invitation—to authenticity, to presence, to gratitude, to seeing life not for what it could be, but for the beautiful, imperfect masterpiece it already is.

Start thinking about what disciplines you might consider continuing after Exodus ends….because our journey is just beginning.  

Seriously, we only have 15 days to go. 

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