It makes me smile that this book ends up in my mailbox right before Thanksgiving. The season of focused gratitude is upon us once again.
What could spoil it all?
Comparison.
An unsettled soul.
An inability or an unwillingness to see the bounty of gifts that God continually lavishes on us because we're so focused on what everyone else seems to be enjoying. Disappointed, frustrated, and envious, we begrudge others their blessings and in doing so, our eyes dim to the priceless gifts that are right in front of us, just begging to be opened.
This is nothing new. Just look at the Ten Commandments.
Our buy in to the social media avalanche has brought comparison and coveting to the next level. It seems like everyone has it better than we do with their spectacularly creative Pinterest homes. Their lavish, well-photographed Instagram lifestyles. Their delightful family adventures. Their boatload of followers and friends.
You just can't help but compare everyone else's
seemingly good fortune to your own perceived lack.
And in allowing these venues to be our own personal measuring stick, the joy gets sucked out of our days as we allow the enemy to whisper this lie ...
you . are . never . enough
So ... what might our lives look like if we shed our self-absorption and began to choose to offer genuine blessings and heartfelt encouragement to those around us?
I know you're busy this week.
But if you could grab a few moments to listen as Kay Wyma chats about escaping the comparison trap, it will be so worth it. She's fun and down to earth, delightfully insightful, and by the time the interview is done, you'll want to grab a cup of coffee with her for sure.
The conversation is here ...
click on the rectangular Focus on the Family Daily Broadcast on the left.
click on the rectangular Focus on the Family Daily Broadcast on the left.
Just wait 'til you get your hands on her book!
I've got a copy of I'm Happy For You {SORT OF ... Not Really}
for one of our readers who leaves a comment on this post
by Wednesday, November 25th, 9 am {eastern, US & Canada only}.
And if you win the giveaway, please know that we'll all be happy for you!
*
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
I practically leaped out of my chair at work screaming "I NEED THIS", but then I see our library owns it so I ordered it. Thanks for the lead. Can't wait to read it!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Valerie ... it would have been great fun to watch you leap out of your chair screaming at work!
Delete;-}
Christian books are often hard to find in public library systems, so I'm thrilled that yours has a copy. Please let me know what you think, ok?!
OMG!!!! I need this book!! I was making a list of repairs around the house, and feeling so overwhelmed and thinking, "How do other people do it?! Why am I not good enough?!" This looks like a good dose of reality and a good prompt for peace of mind! - www.domesticgeekgirl.com
ReplyDeleteI wonder if that's one of the enemy's favorite lies to hiss in our direction, Gingi, ... that we're not enough ... OR that we're too much.
DeleteLet's rebuke his efforts to define us in ways that are downright lies.
Our heavenly Father loves us so ... we are made in His image. And how cool is that!
Most of the world's problems these days are because we envy what others have rather than be content with what we have.
ReplyDeleteThe grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Except in my garden of course. It is so high and needs cutting. I gave it a try in the summer and discovered an old lawn mower I used last year still there with me still holding it.
God bless.
;-}
Deletehahaha
Pitch the lawnmower and get a goat to graze your side of that fence, Victor!
I heard her interview and this sounds like an awesome book!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear your take on it, Lisa!
DeleteOh comparison! I am so guilty of this! I just printed a 30 day journal and couldn't help but look at the cover of Kay's book while reading your post and thinking "my cover is so amateur.' Yikes! I think I need this book, God willing!
ReplyDeleteOh I hear you, Lynn. It can be so hard not to compare what we're putting on the table ... literally, figuratively ... with what others are doing.
DeleteLet's just say that in some way, shape, or form, we're ALL in this same unsettling boat.
;-{
Oh I have this comparison issue at the office that keeps convicting me in a big way. It's just ugly. Totally steals the joy. I really need to stop it, like NOW. Sounds like a fabulous book. Hugs to you, friend. xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh I hear you, Beth. It's way too easy to be checking everybody and everything else out instead of focusing on how much we bring to the table, just as we are, all by His grace.
DeleteAnd I'm so glad you're here, girlfriend. Please know you are missed! I hope all is well ...
Linda, this sounds like an awesome read! Thanks so much for sharing, Love! GOD bless you! :-)
ReplyDeleteBless you, my lovely red-spectacled friend ...
Delete;-}
This is a really important subject, Linda.
ReplyDeleteThere have been times when I've been tempted to comparison..."why does it have to be ME that I'm so sick?"
One answer is that the Free Will Creation is a zero-sum game, that there are a finite number of 'bad things', and that they've got to fall on someone.
So perhaps that which is happening to me saves someone else the pain and heartache. And that makes it OK, because I'd far rather it be me. I would not wish this on anyone.
Because I can take it.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2015/11/your-dying-spouse-85-con-thien-fmf.html
Your questions are important ones, Andrew. I've got too many questions to count, too. How good that God welcomes us just as we are, with all our wonderings and thoughts and waverings. May He bless you with a strong sense of His calming, comforting presence as we head into this nativity season.
DeleteAnd even in your pain and suffering may you find that Jesus cares for you, His son ...
Our Bible study group was just talking about how we as moms compare ourselves to each other and suck the joy out life when we do. You're right, this is a very timely book.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I remember that season of life. That kind of unsupportive atmosphere surely does suck the life, the confidence, the joy from parenting. May God surround you with lots of support as you continue down that road.
DeleteTrust me ... it's worth it all!
;-}
Hi Linda! I just love the sense of humor on the front of that book. I say that to myself all the time (true confessions here!). Comparison must just break God's heart, don't you think? Here He is, making us so unique and different, and what's my reaction? Feel bad about that? Oy...
ReplyDeleteI hope you are going to have a great weekend, leading into Thanksgiving. I know you'll miss your loved ones so much, but I hope you'll know they are all around you.
Wishing you peace and joy,
Ceil
How God puts up with our whining, our grumbling, our lack of gratefulness ... that He continues to welcome us back into His loving embrace is an awesome grace indeed, isn't it ...
DeleteYes, I am missing my dad and little Tyler right about now. I allow myself to cry when I need to ... and then continue forward into the next hour. The holidays are difficult for so many who have suffered loss, not just in the past few months, but years.
May His light pave our way with peace, Ceil ...
I hope your Thanksgiving is wonderful, friend!
I have a great weakness for falling into that comparison trap. That "not enough" voice seems to be my default mode and has taunted me since childhood, but I try to focus on the truth that we are always enough in Christ Jesus. Kay's interview is insightful, and her book sounds great. Thank you, Linda, for offering this book.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Trudy. We so easily carry our childhood wounds with us, don't we. And if it's not that 'we're not enough,' then it's that 'we're too much.'
DeleteSigh.
God have mercy on us and help us to view ourselves the way He does ... deeply loved, fully valued, worth dying for.
Whoever said comparison is the thief of joy is absolutely right. We are bombarded and need reminders the answer is gratitude. Thank you for these timely words.
ReplyDeleteAin't nobody gonna steal my joy!
DeleteAmen!
It's hard to stay away from focusing. I need advice on how to handle this with family who defines success by intelligence and job title and money. I am hoping this book ( if I win it) would help me out.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're here, Corena. Welcome. I hope you find this to be a safe place where you're valued no matter what outer trappings you tote!
DeleteYour name's in the hat, girl!
;-}
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI've had to learn that hard way, that there are just times that I need to stay away from facebook and other social media because the enemy can lurk there just waiting to suck me into the comparison trap. I love visiting you here and would delight if my name was chosen, but either way...thanks for the words of encouragement on this timely topic!
Blessings,
Bev
You hit the nail on the head, Bev ... our best lessons seem to be ones we've learned through tough experiences. No one else could teach us ... we had to go through the valley to come out with some kind of wisdom, yes?
DeleteBut I'm glad you're here, friend! And I hope you're enjoying a splendid weekend!
;-}
That book cover is AWESOME! Comparison is a habit so easy to participate in and so difficult to break. I am adding this book to my Christmas list!
ReplyDeleteA great Christmas gift, yes!
DeleteAnd your name's in the hat, so you never know ...
;-}
Hey Linda! I remember once reading a devotional from Chuck Swindoll in which his title and first words were "Comparisons are odious." What a foundation of feeling cheap when we lay a foundation of comparison with others. I did that way too much. I love being free and realizing I have no one to compare myself to...except the ONE who matters. And He tells me He thinks I'm ok. :)
ReplyDeleteFreedom! Yes!
DeleteAnd we'll never find it in the esteem of another.
Only from the One who created us and calls us His own ...
Sabbath blessings, pastor friend ...
Such an important topic Linda. I've learned first hand that comparison is the thief of joy. Once you stop comparing and start being grateful, your life improves immeasurably.
ReplyDeleteYou said it well, friend. The thief of joy. Who needs THAT?
DeleteI'm choosing joy, no matter what.
And yes, sometimes that's a very hard choice ...
Finally old enough to know the cost of having all the "Stuff". Life is much easier--I am considerably more free, and enjoy the lightness which came with my "Stuff Diet and Purge".
ReplyDeleteMay have to order the book---it would be pushing my luck to think I would win anything else!
Blessings, Friend!
Hey, you just never know whose name is gonna come out of that hat! It could be yours again, Lulu!
Delete;-}
What a needed book!!! How could anyone not want this book??? Thank you for the giveaway, friend!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving, Mary!
;-}
Happy Thanksgiving! Praying this week is a blessing and wonderful time of reflection on God's abundance in our lives.
DeleteAnd happy Thanksgiving to you, my friend! Please know I'm grateful to be wending my way through this transition time in your steady, encouraging company!
Delete;-}
Linda,
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book in this age of social media 24/7...Wanted to stop by and wish you and yours a very blessed Thanksgiving...Appreciate you :-) Praying God is especially close to you and your family as you think of your dad and Tyler....((hugs))
That you're praying is sheer gift, Dolly. Thank you. This is a tough holiday indeed ...
DeleteThat's a beautiful giveaway. I'm sure many people will be blessed with this.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're here, Lux!
DeleteBeing a person of sarcastic humor, I love your last line-we'll all be happy for you. Looks like a great read, one that is needed at this moment in time.
ReplyDeleteLove that you're here today, Mary!
Delete;-}
this is something I've always been good at...being happy for the people I love. I've just never been a person who is easily envious. I have PLENTY of other faults, believe me.
ReplyDeleteThere's no better friend than one who truly, gracefully wishes another the best blessings. I'm just plain grateful to have you do community with us here, Kara!
DeleteMay this Thanksgiving be a sweet solace to your family ...
Sounds like a great book, Linda. Thanks for sharing with us at #RaRaLinkup!
ReplyDelete