Joy Thief

This is a re-post. Oldy but goody!

Have you been here? Comparing yourself to others.  

You think, "If only I had ___________"

 then you too would be content, joyful, fulfilled. 

Growing up we did not have a lot of material things. I remember wondering what it was like to have new clothes, not hand me downs. Often, I felt left out, because we couldn't go to certain places, we didn't have the money. As I grew it only seemed to become more intense of a feeling. 

My family moved many times, renting homes and apartments. One of my deepest desires was to stay in one place, one home, one school, one community. Looking at children who knew each other from preschool, who had long lasting friendships, whose families had always lived in the community seemed like an unattainable goal for me. I coveted the thought of this life.  

Could I ever have that? Could I know the joy of staying in one place? What did it feel like to start the school year with friends in the classroom who would call out your name as you entered the class?  My life was completely opposite of this dream. 

In the midst of this comparison I was missing a gift, Joy!  Let me explain. As I was comparing my life to what others had, I missed all of the things that were good about my life. Sure, they had stability and history, but I had adventure, new opportunities and excitement!  If I didn't like someone in my class, I probably wouldn't see them the next year! I learned how to make friends quickly and was able to see many different types of schools! I was exposed to a variety of cultures and communities! All of these components have played a role in my development.  Today as I look back, I am grateful that I had those experiences.

Because of my past, I am able to be more effective as a teacher. It has prepared me to reach out to many people, cultures and communities.  I am not afraid to be in new situations, talk to people I do not know or try new things! 

Comparison is a dangerous thing! It makes us think that what we have or are going through is not valuable. It robs us of the joy of the journey! It takes our eyes off of what God is doing in our midst and puts it on envy and discontentment! 

Choose Joy, Choose to live what Paul learned.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12

Can I change....?

I love getting my hair done! From the warm greeting that my stylist gives me to the finished product of well sculpted and perfectly colored hair, I enjoy the entire process! This time in the salon is pure indulgence, one that feeds my pampering need.

During this visit, a woman with dark brown hair came into the salon. Her desire was to change her hair color to platinum blonde. (I was ease dropping or maybe she was talking loudly!) I was struck by her strong desire that both she and I have to be something different than what we naturally are.

I admit freely that I am not content with the hair color that grows out of my head. Growing up, my hair was light blonde and now, well let's just say it is slightly brown. 


I much prefer the bright hues of blonde. Is that wrong? Am I not being content with the way I was created? Am I the clay telling the potter to re-create me?

Why do we want things that we don't have?

People with curly hair want straight hair and vice versa.

• When things start to get old we buy something new.
• When something bigger and better is created, we often toss aside things for the newest and greatest.
• When we see that someone has _____ we want it too!

Why is it so hard to be content? Learning to be content continues to be a process for me. I want to be able to live contently in God's promises, that He knows my needs and will supply all of them. It's the wants that I seem to confuse with the needs!

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NLT

Lord I confess that I have confused needs and wants. Help me to be satisfied with everything that you have given me. Teach me to see the difference and to trust you to supply my every need.