on not measuring up

Between the many, (many) blogs that I read, magazines that I purchase, Pinterest, Houzz, and all the various other sources of inspiration out there, it’s easy to sometimes feel that my home, my crafts, my DIY’s just don’t measure up. They’ll always be someone more talented, a home better put together, a recipe tastier, or a craft better crafted.

Talking to friends about this very issue, comparison-itis is real, and sadly, very common. The thing is, though, comparing yourselves to others can leave you feeling discontent and discouraged. There’s a great quote out there about how when we compare, we are comparing our “behind the scenes” with someone else’s “highlight reel.” Blogs, Pinterest, magazines…all are there to show you the beautiful, finished, shiny product, not the false starts, mishaps and tears along the way.

I started this post intending to write about some easy, fast decorating ideas (which I’ll share later in the week), but quickly felt led to change the direction up a bit (or rather, a lot). The thing is, God didn’t intend for us to compare ourselves with one another. Psalm 139 states that we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made.” We were each given gifts, gifts that, like pieces of a puzzle, are meant to complement, enhance, and add up to create something meaningful and beautiful. He created us all to serve with the specific qualities he gifted to us, not to compare ourselves with those around us.

So, let’s take a few minutes today to be thankful for the unique gifts and talents we’ve each been given, and, if you’d like, leave a comment letting us know how YOU deal with the insecurity that comes from comparison. I’d love for us to learn from each other!