Comparison

Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to join a group on Facebook made up of writers. These writers are phenomenal! Their stories are amazing.  Their hearts are gold. 

But God convicted me the other day. 

I had read a story from one of the writers. I began looking at her page and noticed how many people liked it. I really wished I could write as well as her. 

Another day, I read a different writer’s story. Again, so beautiful. Perfect words. Great writing. I really wished I could write as well as her. 

Then, while looking at other stories from this writer, I learned that she had lost her baby at birth. 

I felt God say, “Do you want this part of her life too?”

I looked at other stories from the first writer.  I learned that she had been abused as a child, and her marriage was abusive also. 

I felt God say, “Do you want this part of her life too?”

I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me as I realized we usually only see the good parts that people want us to see. 

We see the shiny, and we want it. 

But we forget that everyone has a story. Everyone has trials. Everyone has loss, sickness, and brokenness. 

Would we be so quick to want what others have if knew what they went through to get it?

Comparison is not from God. 

Comparison separates us from God. 

Tonight, as I tucked my two youngest into bed, I asked them to tell me someone who they thought has the best life. My daughter told me the name of one of her friends. I was able to explain to them that while this friend may have a lot of stuff, and get to do a lot of exciting things, they didn’t have grandparents in their life. They didn’t have grandparents who had sleepovers, or who showed up at their games and programs. They didn’t even have parents that spent much time with them. 

I reminded them how blessed we are to have so many people we love in our lives. 

I reminded them that our bodies are healthy, and we are able to run and play. 

I reminded them that we haven’t experienced the loss that many have. 

I reminded them just how blessed we are, and how we always need to be thankful. 

And I believe that is the key friends. 

Use thankfulness as a shield to keep comparison out of your life. 

Before you compare, be thankful. 

Thankful for every good and perfect gift God has given you. 

Thankful for the trials that you haven’t had to face. 

Thankful for the people you still get to enjoy this life with. 

Thankful for every opportunity you are given.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

God’s will is for us to be thankful. And when we’re thankful, we realize that we don’t need to compare ourselves with others. 

Because we are blessed.

Blessed beyond measure. 

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11