Free to be you PART 2

I want to continue on with some more thoughts and encouragement in our fight against comparison.  I shared a snip it in my previous post from a wonderful little devotional I had read. I shared how it helped me in my times of struggle with jealousy. Today, as I was reading in another devotional, the title was " Uniquely you. Be the best Mama that GOD made YOU to be " Here are some highlights that stood out for me...

"Mama's tend to imagine that our friends live in sparkling home. Their children have spot free clothes and shinning faces, neatly completing their work assignments for school. We imagine their husbands bring them flowers at the end of hard days and maybe even a pizza so cooking isn't necessary. The key word here is IMAGINE.  In real life, we ALL face trials great and small. We often trip head long into the pit that is comparison. Comparison accomplishes nothing but breeding self-pity and discontent ( 2 Corinthians 10:12). The Bible tells us to be content in all circumstances ( Phil 4:11). Why? Because the Lord handpicks our circumstances for US. He allows those trials which will enable us to better turn our faces to Him. He allows the trials that will best prune away the unsightly growths on our hearts so that they reflect His imagine. Oftentimes, we can not change our circumstances, but we can change our responses to them. As christian mothers, we need to stop comparing ourselves to others and focus more on encouraging each other in the Lord. You may have a creative friend, or a friend who keeps her house clean and sparkly. None of that matters if you are seeking to encourage her by speaking about that which really matters; the works of God in her life and in the lives of those she loves ( Prov. 31:26). God made YOU, just as you are. He chose YOU to be the mother to your children. He chose YOU to be the wife to your husband. These are the only jobs you will hold in which you are irreplaceable. Choose to do these jobs well. Choose to be thankful for the gifts that the Lord has given to you and try to grow in the areas that have rough edges. Choose to rejoice int he days to come, because you will be facing them hand-in-hand with the One who created them-and you!-and spoke them into being." 

 I loved her comment " Comparison accomplishes nothing but breading self - pity and discontent". It's so very true. Nothing good ever comes from it. We never feel better about ourselves, our family, or our life when we are comparing.

Comparison doesn't just effect us Moms. It effects all women. Single and Married.

Be encouraged as I am in this. You ( and I ) are free to be ourselves. We are unique. Let's work on thankfulness today. Thank the Lord for your life and all the blessings He has given you. Be blessed!!