Disqualified by Comparison

Do you find yourself questioning your talents, your strengths?  Do you constantly downplay your abilities and success, just because they don't look the same as someone else's gifts?  I find myself often doubting my qualifications to be a mom, a small group leader, an artist, or writer.

 To make matters worse, I sometimes disqualify myself and am tempted to quit before I even begin.  Comparing our lives and successes to another person's status is ineffective.  First, it places the focus on becoming better than them, instead of working towards being the best you. We can also sink into an ugly habit of judging others, when our eyes are on what or how they’re doing.

But I am not them…and neither are you.  God made each of us different for a reason.

I imagine that He knew how much we needed each other.  When we combine all of those differences, we can do a lot of good.  My organized mom friends have given me so many ideas on how to run my household more effectively.  My working mom friends have taught me how to manage my time in better ways.  I have learned how to sew, how to pray, how to decorate, how to cook, how to put an outfit together, and more by hanging around women of different talents.

And yet, I still remain me- the person God created me to be. I have a singular story, a specific set of passions, and my own talents.  I have to remind myself of what I already have and all I can accomplish with the help of friends and the One who made me.   Then, underneath all the fear and uncertainties, I uncover a little bit of courage and confidence.

For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

–Psalms 139.13-14

I am learning that no matter who we are, what we have, or what we do, we can ALL be a blessing to others. You fill a space in the world in a special way.  So get out there and do life like only you can do it. Don’t cut yourself short by trying to outdo someone else. It's just wasted time and energy.

God made you (and me) WONDERFUL.