Sometimes I think God had a good chuckle when I named my blog The Peaceful Mom. There are times when I’m far from it.
This week I’ve had a particularly difficult struggle with comparing myself to others, rethinking past choices and dwelling on the regret of what has been done. I can tell you that there is no peace in those thoughts.
I wish I could be a better mom.
I wish I could be a better wife.
I wish I could be a better friend.
I wish I could be a better blogger.
Comparing myself to others results in so many negatives in my life:
Discontent-Looking at what others have keeps me from being grateful for what I do have.
Selfishness-When I compare myself to others I am self-critical, self-involved, self-whatever. Notice all those words start with SELF and focusing on myself means I am not focusing on others.
Anxiety-I can’t be at peace when I am constantly desiring what others have or trying to get what I think I don’t have.
So for today I’m going to meditate on who God created me to be rather than thinking about what others are doing or thinking.
For five people I am the world and they are the ones whose opinions really matter.
Oh my friend! I’m sorry I missed this post earlier. You just keep on trying to bloom where you are planted, God’s responsible for the fruit! I agree our focus needs to be upward not sideways. He always gives us the right and true perspective where comparisons often trip us up and drag us down. Peace my friend!
So true that our focus needs to be upward and not sideways! Thanks Alycia!
Little late in reading your post, but I just had to say what a wonderful, honest person you are. We are like rose bushes. No two are the same. Some have more beautiful, showy blooms, but may not be very strong/resistent to pests (life’s problems). While the old fashioned varieties, are fragrant and hardy. We are what God created, and the greatest inner peace is accepting and making the most of our talents. We are uniquely, individually beautiful.
What a beautiful encouragement. Thank you so much Kim!
you are the very best Kimberlee that I have ever known…..no comparison…being an original in this world of sameness is your very good calling…and you do it so well..love you girl and get off of your own back..you do an amazing job..very courageous woman that you are!!!
Thanks Mona!
AMEN SISTER!
Thanks Cindy!