It is so easy to compare myself negatively with others. Someone is skinnier, prettier, more hip. Someone else has the ideal home, is not required to work elsewhere and spends hours in the pursuit of hobbies and extracurriculars for her children.
Intellectually, I know that I live well. I have seen first hand the poverty in Brazil, the modern starkness in Hong Kong and the diverse mix of excess and need in Singapore. Statistically I live better than 85% of the world population. But when I compare myself, then I can find my lack, the gap between me and another who has more. How foolish of me to dwell of what I don't have rather than all that I do have!
Comparison never leads to anything good. It is altogether unhealthy and a habit that only feeds on itself. I don't want to guage my life by looking at others to see 'how I'm doing.' Also, I want my children to be grateful for what they do have. What are some ways to train gratefulness, contentedness and joy with what you've got?
We have many friends who are missionaries, and we talk *often* about their situations - and the situations they encounter.
ReplyDeleteI know it is hard not to compare sometimes -- our culture/society has burdened us down with many things that become necessary to surviving here. I often have to look to God and try to get His perspective on what we need in this life we live. (And try to remind myself - when things go 'wrong' - that He knew 'this' would happen and that He has a purpose in bringing and/or allowing it.
-Elizabeth