Wayfaring Wednesday

Why We Don’t Always Want Perfect

It’s funny to me how often I find value in the imperfect.

I’ve been through some pretty rough spots in life, and I’ve walked beside others with their own weathered paths—many of them never fully shared. Most people, whether they say it out loud or not, carry a story. And when you've lived through enough of those stories, you begin to notice something: perfection starts to lose its shine.

Now don’t get me wrong—I’m not talking about poor craftsmanship or sloppiness. I’m not praising cut corners or lack of care. I’m talking about the kind of imperfections that reveal authenticity, soul, and human touch.

Think about a stone wall. The faux masonry kind might look flawless, with a pattern so clean it almost feels like wallpaper. But then you come across an old hand-laid stone wall, where each rock has been chosen, placed, and shaped by time and weather. It might be uneven, maybe even cracked in places—but there’s a beauty to it. That wall tells a story. And somehow, it’s more beautiful because of its irregularities.

Or think about handmade lace or a crocheted sweater. If it’s truly handmade by skilled hands, you might catch a slight variation in the loop sizes—nothing drastic, just enough to remind you this wasn’t mass-produced. That small imperfection adds charm, warmth, and value. It tells you this was made with care, time, and intention. That little irregularity is what makes it art.

Our lives are like that, too.

We carry flaws. We have rough edges. But often, those weathered places—those hard seasons—are where the real beauty shows up. Not in the moment, maybe, but later. Once the storm has passed and something stronger, wiser, and more grounded has taken root.

It’s in those imperfections that we often find depth. Maybe we’ve become calmer, more thoughtful. Maybe we’ve learned how to be both humble and quietly confident. But those things don’t usually come from smooth, untested paths. They come from life’s messes. From crying in the car, picking up the pieces, forgiving others and ourselves. They come from storms survived.

You’ll never meet a truly strong person who hasn’t weathered a storm.

So maybe we don’t always want perfect—because perfect isn’t always real. Sometimes, the flawed and weathered things are the ones that hold the most beauty, the most truth, and the most soul.

Back-to-School Season: A Time to Reset (Even If You Don’t Have Kids)

Back-to-school isn’t just for families juggling supply lists and bus schedules. Even if you don’t have school-aged kids at home, this season can mark a natural turning point—a chance to hit reset.

After the long, sometimes chaotic days of summer, there’s something about September that invites structure. The air shifts, routines settle in, and we all feel it—even if we’re not packing lunchboxes or attending back-to-school nights.

I’ve lived through every stage of parenting, from toddlers to grown kids, and while I don’t obsess over “kid stuff” the way I used to, I still notice how this time of year stirs a sense of refocus in everyone. It’s like a second New Year—but with better coffee and cooler mornings.

So here’s your friendly reminder:
Now is a great time to restart your morning routine, recommit to your fitness goals, finally open that journal, or plan the work projects you’ve been putting off.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few simple reset ideas for fall in Lancaster:

• Refresh your mornings – Try a morning walk or coffee at a quiet local spot like Passenger or New Holland Coffee Co.

• Rebuild habits – Summer often throws us off track. Revisit your rhythms—whether it's meal prepping, journaling, or getting to bed on time.

• Refocus your goals – The year’s not over yet. What do you still want to accomplish before winter sets in?

Whether you’re navigating the school rush or just enjoying the quieter weekday lunch crowds, there’s something about fall in Lancaster that invites us to take a deep breath and get back in gear.

Let this season work for you—no backpacks required.

Why Integrity and Ethics Matter in Real Estate

In real estate, you can have the nicest house, the flashiest marketing, and the strongest negotiating skills—but if you don’t have integrity, none of it really matters.

Buying or selling a home isn’t just a business transaction. It’s personal. It’s someone’s savings, someone’s future, someone’s sense of security and place. And because of that, how we treat people in the process really matters.

I've been in enough deals to know that not everything goes according to plan. Appraisals come in low, inspections uncover surprises, timelines shift. That’s when integrity and ethics either show up—or they don’t.

When you’re the agent, people are trusting you to guide them through one of the biggest decisions of their lives. That trust means telling the truth, even when it’s hard. It means honoring contracts, keeping your word, and not cutting corners. It means representing your client well—but also being respectful of everyone at the table.

And the truth is, real estate is a small world—especially in places like Lancaster. Word gets around. The way you treat others (including your fellow agents) matters. Integrity builds your reputation far more than any ad or social media post ever could.

Ethical agents make the transaction smoother, protect their clients legally and financially, and make sure everyone leaves the table with peace of mind. That’s the goal. Not just a closing—but a closing done right.

So yes, we can talk about granite countertops and bidding wars all day long. But in the end, who you work with matters. Choose someone who values ethics over ego, and integrity over image.

Because in this business, character counts.

Sandra Burkholder, EXP Realty
Licensed Real Estate Agent since 2000
Serving Lancaster, Chester, Berks, and York County, PA

Connecting you to your dream home and the heart of the community with a professional yet approachable touch.

www.sandraburkholder.com | www.wayfaringlancaster.com
[email protected] | [email protected]

Not intended to solicit any properties already listed for sale with another real estate agent. If your home is already for sale, then please disregard this message.

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