The Life You Have

     The idea of this has been on my heart for awhile now, and I really hope I’m able to express it the way I mean.  I really love blogging, but if I’m being totally honest, it is really hard for me sometimes.  I don’t mean the posting or the followers because that’s not why I’m doing any of this (although I do love all of you!); I just mean the underlying comparison factor.
     Before you read the rest of this, don’t imagine it being read in a weepy voice…I’m using an honest, thoughtful one.  I have always struggled with comparing myself to others…and get this – it’s not even out of self-consciousness!  I’m just too analytical.  Half the time, I am too concerned with what other people are doing that I can’t even enjoy what I have going on.  Most of the time I disguise these comparisons with advice or help…or micromanaging, but it comes right down to comparing myself and my work or my life to others…or even to myself.  (I hope that paragraph makes sense.)
     Where I’m going with all of this is I work really hard at what I do, and it is so silly for me to analyze it to death or compare it to everything else.  “If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.” – Max Ehrmann, Desiderata.  I have seen both ends of that spectrum, and neither one is a good look for me (or anyone for that matter).
     Here’s my plan, and I hope that this resonates with someone – otherwise I don’t think it would have been on my heart – live the life you have now, and pray for the direction it goes.  That probably sounds so simple to some of you, but I know how hard it can be to look at others (in person or through a blog) and compare your life to theirs.  It’s hard for me, and I’m really a very happy, content person.  No part of me believes that it’s sinful to make plans or to want for your life, but to let what you want or what someone else has eat at you to the point that your walk with God is compromised is sinful, and that is a daily struggle for me.  I am constantly reminding myself not to be vain or bitter, and it is hard. 
          I am so excited about this season in my life.  I have been blessed beyond anything I could have imagined, and I just feel like it flies in the face of what I believe to let these silly comparisons diminish that.  I should be in a constant state of praise and thanksgiving, so why am I spending so much time analyzing and comparing every little thing that happens?
     In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9.
      Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else. Galatians 6:4.
     I included these verses because I am going to make a commitment right now to really meditate on them.  I’m writing all of this because y’all are such great accountability; even reading your sweet comments reaffirms why it is I do this.  I know I don’t often post so much about what I believe, but it is so important me, and as with all friendships, I want ours to have a really honest foundation.  Thank you for being so sweet to my little corner of the blogosphere.  I love all of you!

Allyson

9 comments

Allison said...

thanks for sharing! I struggle with this a lot too. There is always someone out there who I feel like has it better than I. Someone who doesn't have to work because their husband makes more money, or they live in a cheaper place. People who don't have to go back to work after they have kids.. the list goes on and on. I really love that verse. It certainly encouraged my day today! thanks

Laura said...

I love your attitude, sweet girl! "Live the life you have and pray for the direction it goes!!" Well said!!


Laura
Peace, Love, and First Grade

lori said...

great post! i think we all are guilty of comparing our lives to someone elses at one point of another. definitely a good reminder to be thankful for what we have and love the life we live.

Lindsay said...

This is a really well written post, thanks for sharing! I love reading things like this, that come from the heart. You are such a sweet person, and I know many people will come to know & enjoy you as I do!

Laura Darling said...

What a great post. Needed to read this tonight!

Kelley @ TheGrantLife.com said...

This is such a sweet post! Thank you for sharing your beliefs!

Jess said...

This is so awesome, Allyson!
I'm so glad that you posted it and even more glad that I got to read it :)

You're an inspiration - thank you!

Happy Wednesday!
xo

Elizabeth said...

I love this post. I agree. I think it is a very conscious choice we have to make each day to not compare & to be content. I came to the same conclusion with my blog! I cannot make people like it & I cannot write for them & try to "win" them & get discouraged when I see other blogs way cooler than mine! I have to write for the same reason I began writing - to write!

SOOOO... this topic has actually been on my heart & I am doing a blog series called "why i blog" I have guests ever Sunday. If you want you can check it out & if you like it, I would love to have you as a guest on my blog!

Kasey said...

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9.

LOVE this! I think we all have this issue to where we always think "the grass is always greener" and it's difficult to sometimes look at what we have and not want more, but thank you for sharing, you've said what so many of us, including myself think and feel on a daily basis about our own lives and I'm going to try to take your advice and focus a little more on being grateful :)