Comparison is a Thief
How often do you compare what you have to what someone else may have?
It is hard not to when everyone’s life is so easy to peer into with social media constantly portraying aesthetically pleasing homes, fancy cars, nice jobs, and “perfect” families. It is hard not to compare.
I would find myself scrolling through social media on autopilot wishing I had a super tidy home with gold hardware and overly organized pantries. Like thanks a lot for the algorithm TikTok, but these aren’t my people. I yearned to be like the moms I was watching, instead of being the woman God intended for me to be.
I come from a home that was often chaotic. There were 7 of us in total. Two parents, three boys, and two girls. I was the oldest of the group. All of the children were involved in some sort of sport or activity. Both of my parents worked. There was ALWAYS something happening in our home.
I would say that my childhood home was not one that you would see in Home magazine. The furniture didn’t match. The kitchen curtains had been the same since I was little. The food was stored in the boxes it came in. There was definitely no organization of the fridge. However, our home was full of love. My mom spent her time caring for us and driving us whenever we needed her.
When I became a mom and moved out, my home soon mirrored my mom's, and I was okay with it…until social media.
Somewhere and somehow, someone decided it was a grand idea to post their living situation and how glorious it was. Do I sound salty? Don’t worry, I am not anymore.
I used to roll my eyes at these people showing off their success. I used to get jealous of their glamorous organized homes. I used to troll in my head. I was not one of those who would bash someone for their success. I just really wanted what they had.
Focusing on what everyone else had caused me to lose sight of what I already had. I had so much to be thankful for and was blessed with a beautiful home. I couldn’t even recognize it because I was too busy focusing on the homes of people I didn’t even know.
I was comparing what I had or didn’t have to what they had, or what I thought they had.
Until one day, I was scrolling on social media, and I came across an exercise reel, the trainer popped up and said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
It was like a whole new world had been discovered.
I never realized comparison had been stealing my joy.
I was so busy focusing on what others had that I wasn’t counting my own blessings.
Comparison is not a spirit from God, but joy is.
Galatians 5:22 tells us, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…”
Once I shifted my focus on what I had and that God gives me joy, I began to find peace and gratitude. I began to look at my life and my home and was thankful. I realized how BEAUTIFUL it was and how much work I had put into it to be home.
It was just that, home, and it was OURS. My peace, my solace, my safe space.
If I tried to create the same space that everyone else had, I am pretty sure I would not have been nearly as happy because it wouldn’t have been ME.
Don’t get me wrong, it is okay to grab ideas. I still do. I love a good theme. However, I don’t let myself get upset or feel out of place if my home isn’t picture perfect and my pantry is astray. It is MINE, and it represents US, and I am more than okay with that.
If you find yourself wishing you had what someone else has, take a step back and look at what is YOURS. View it from the outside looking in. I can almost guarantee that you will be thankful for what you have and you will find the JOY in it.
This doesn’t just apply to our living. It applies to our jobs, families, spouses, friendships, etc.
The enemy doesn’t want you to find joy. Therefore, he will confuse you into thinking you may need or want more when God has blessed you with just what you need.
I encourage you to seek joy in everything. Seek joy in all the moments and in all that you have. Don’t let comparison continue to steal what God has given you.
“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you - I whom you have delivered.” Psalms 71:23
God’s Love and Mine,
Carrie
