A week ago I went to a painting experience with several women. We all painted the same picture, using the same colors, following the same instructor, yet we all had different masterpieces.
At the end of class we all looked at each other’s paintings and complimented what we liked and marveled at the uniqueness of each canvas. Then we took a group picture with everyone holding their painting.
As I looked at each painting, there was always a color or element I wish I did on my own. The rise of comparison swelled in me and the last 2 hours of fun I had began to dull.
My mom hosted the painting event and when we were no longer in the presence of the 8 other women, I was still compelled to compare my canvas to hers! Her colors were deep and rich, her writing was beautiful and her shading was perfect.
I didn’t realize then, but all I did was change the scale of my comparison. I reduced the number of people involved but the dullness was still there.
It wasn’t until I was by myself and hung my canvas on the wall that I saw its beauty. When I thought the shading was too light I noticed its impact, initially I felt I didn’t use enough blue but now the blue is popping out at me, I thought my shading was off but now it looks so realistic.
What am I saying?
I missed the beauty and the moments following it because I let comparison rob me of it. It wasn’t until I stopped comparing that I found contentment and loveliness in my own canvas.
This very lesson is taught in the word because God knows that comparison robs us, leading to jealousy, envy and forgetting what God has given us. The bible says comparison is unwise and instead we should focus on our unique God-given purpose and to run our own race with gratitude.
It’s no shame when comparison arises because we are human, but take captive those thoughts and submit them to God! Comparison is an indicator to refocus on God and not yourself or others. Learn from me and don’t sit in it longer than you have to or should. Talk to God about how you feel (he knows already) and he’ll put in your spirit and open your eyes to see his point of view, which is always positive.
See you next week!
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