Monday, October 31, 2016

Joy Theif

A wise man (most of the sources I have found suggest it was Theodore Roosevelt) once said, "comparison is the thief of joy" truer words have been spoken, sure. But these are a close second and dear to my heart. I am always so sad when I compare myself, and yet it is something I relentlessly do.

I almost didn't post this picture. As I have said before, it is pictures, not the mirror, I loathe so much. This particular picture was actually, pretty good. My hair looked good, my belly wasn't huge, and I like my boots, brand new Nicole dress and my chambray shirt more than almost any other clothing I own.

But all my eye could see was the terrible double chin poking out the bottom of my face. "What a nasty looking lady"

It's such an unhealthy thing to think about yourself, and here I was, with my finger hovering over the post button thinking deeply about it. Post or not.

I didn't.

I didn't the next day either.

Or the next day.

But finally, I decided that I need to get over myself. It was a pretty decent picture.

No, posting the picture didn't bring me joy: my joy isn't found in posting a picture or getting likes on it: my joy is found in Christ. But joy can so quickly become damped when I begin to compare myself, in any regard.

"I want her _____(hair, wardrobe, body, boyfriend, family, job, church, car, phone, etc.)" the list is a black hole.

Stop comparing yourself, because when you do, you simply steal your own joy.

3 comments:

Kimber Scotland said...

You look beautiful, Maddie.
We always are our harshest critics. Every person struggles with something and can choose to dwell on the fact that someone else has or is something they aren't or to choose to keep our minds on Christ. After all, He is our standard for He is perfect and loves you and I perfectly.
Much love in Christ,
Kimber :)

Wilson family said...

You are my beautiful girl, inside and out! It is because of Jesus that you are so lovely in every way! I love you!

Wilson family said...

You are my beautiful girl, inside and out! It is because of Jesus Christ that you are so lovely, in every way! I love you!