by Barbara Latta
Have you ever
sent out invitations to a pity party and then answered them? Maybe invited a
Why do we do
this to ourselves? The source of our party springs from the fountain of
comparison.
We look at the
accomplishments of others through rose colored glasses, but we use a magnifying
glass to look at what we think are our deficiencies.
After listening
to a successful author teach a workshop the opportunity for comparison
whispered in my ear.
When my kids
were growing up, the voice compared me to other mothers.
Despite good
grades in school and praise from employers, career and educational
opportunities told me I was lacking.
The voice of
comparison has no reprieve for the victim; it only brings pity to the victim’s
mind. We can get so involved in the party, we blow out the candles on the cake,
open the gifts and indulge in the unhealthy confection of despair.
How can we pop
the balloons from this celebration of misery?
- By rehearsing victories and blessings in our lives.
- By reading what God says about us. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
- By giving ourselves affirming statements. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:17).
We must follow the
plan God has for our individual lives instead of trying to live someone else’s.
We can learn from those who have gone before us, but we can’t live their plan.
Paul’s advice
through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit shows us how to avoid the comparison
trap. But let each one examine his own
work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For
each one shall bear his own load (Galatians 6:4-5).
How do you
reply to invitations to pity parties? Share your thoughts.
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