Comparison

"Comparison is the thief of joy." Wise words from a president who was born 148 years before Twitter was founded and 152 before Instagram. It makes me wonder what kind of struggles they faced back then that were inflicted by culture.

How many times have you sat around, scrolling through a newsfeed, thinking, "I wish I had that," or "I wish I looked like her?" I'd be willing to bet that's happened more times than you can count on all your fingers and toes. Social media is a great tool for sharing styles and ideas, but it opens up the door to nagging comparison of what you don't have that everyone else (so it seems) does.

I'm so guilty of holding myself to the standard that is portrayed on social media. Ask Harrison and my mom how many times they get screenshots and texts that say "ugh, I wish I had this;" this being whatever item the latest fashion blogger is wearing or using. Ask Harrison how many times I ask him if I'm skinnier than an airbrushed girl in a picture (he always says yes, bless him). It's kind of scary how much I want what others have and how many times I fail to appreciate what I do have.

Think about how that makes you feel, all the jealousy and envy and materialism. Does it make you feel full of life and happiness and joy? I'm going to guess that it doesn't. Stop holding yourself to a standard that you're making up in your head. Stop telling yourself that you need the latest look or trend. You don't. You have all you need in who you are. Find joy in what you have. Count your blessings.

Psalm 139:14 says,

I have been remarkably and wondrously made.

God made you in His perfect image. Don't mistake his beautiful creation for something that needs to lose 5 pounds to perfect or that needs to dressed in the most expensive brand to be desirable.

Use comparison to better yourself and to grow, not to wallow in the things you don't have.