Thankful for being you

Everyone can agree that friendship is an important part of being a woman. I have so many wonderful friends and I like each one of them for various reasons. Sometimes I even find myself trying to emulate them. There is one of my friends Ana* (names have been changed to protect the innocent and unsuspecting) who I really admire. She is well spoken and has a very gentle spirit. Then I have another friend who is so helpful and seems to always be on top of things. Emma* keeps everyone updated on what is going on, throwing parties, helping her family, working, etc. Then there is another beautiful woman, Kiki* who is amazing at handling children and stress. I find myself constantly wondering how she has so much patience.

Okay, so when does admiration cross over to jealousy? I used to find myself comparing myself to these amazing women and think if I could only be a bit more like them. However, some of my friends are so opposite of me that no matter how hard I ever tried I could never be more like them. I am thankful that I am at a place in my journey that I can finally look in the mirror and find those attributes that are admirable and lovely. Often we are so busy trying to be someone we are not that we loose sight of the person God created us to be. I can even remember growing up and wanting to be so much like my sister and nothing like my mom. Now, I have realized that, though I hate to admit it, I have received a few genes from my mother that a really amazing. I guess it is the keeping up with the Jones syndrome. I have grow more thankful to God because I realized that he placed these people in my life not to make me feel inferior but grateful for who they are and what kind of blessing they can be in this world.

We can easily become deceived into thinking that we are not good enough when we constantly compare ourselves to each other. But it is also important not to do this with other people. For instance, take my children for example. Each one of them is not just me, or Russell, or any of our family members. The are each very unique persons. I used to always compare Megan and Elizabeth but now I consider it futile. I thought that Megan should have learned her colors and letters, how to walk and talk, and grow all at the same time Elizabeth did. After all they are from the same parents right? But it isn't so. Megan did not meet milestones at the same times Elizabeth did but that doesn't mean I didn't do things right or work hard enough. It just means she is her own person and she will do things at her timing the way God wants to work in her. There are actually many things that Megan does that Elizabeth has yet to do. Like make crude jokes or eat at the table without making a mess.

When we look at the differences part of our joy is being stolen. Be joyful in the moment and not continually looking at where you/they could be or what they/you could be doing. This is a concept that all women especially mothers should think about more often. I remember always being compared to my sister and when I didn't do things as well as her there was deep feeling of inferiority ingrained in me. Much damage can be done when we are always looking toward someone else and not to Jesus. He is the only one should try to be like. But when we do, you can be you, because we were ultimately created in His image. Part of being who we were meant to be is being like our Creator. He made you and I unique and special for a reason and that should be our focus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. -Philippians 4:8

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. -Genesis 1:27