And then there's me.......

You know that feeling when you see a really pretty girl, or someone that seems to have it "all" and then that thought comes in your mind "and then there's me".  I think about the "artsy, crafty" person who can whip things out of NO WHERE and make decorating seem like a normal carefree act of some kind.  Or how about the "neat and organized" person, you know the one where everything is labeled, color coded and ORGANIZED!!(By the way, if you are a super neat, organized, crafty person, WOW what a gift for reals!!).  It takes alot of  energy and mental exhaustion for me to try to be organized and neat...really ask my husband! No wait, what about the fitness beasts, you know the people who are dedicated and seem to consistently be in great shape, where I on the other hand seem to love my roller coaster rides with fitness. I'm the poster girl for saying "For reals, I'm starting tomorrow". 

I am hoping that I am not the only one who has ever thought this, but if I am that's okay too.  I realize that comparing yourself to others or feeling waaaaay less than others can be a battle of the mind, but God help me to see my self through YOUR eyes.  I don't write this to get attention or to "fish" for compliments but to be REAL that there are those thoughts that can sink your heart and waste time and energy on things that are really insignificant.  I'm not saying we all can't improve or have the desire to excel, but sometimes God will use different things to get you into HIS word.  You see when I get the "And then there's me" thoughts I have to speak to myself and think of what God says about me.

I need to rememebr that I am running my own race, in Galations 6:4-5 God you say " Each of us should test our own actions.  Then we can take pride in ourselves NOT comparing oursleves with somebody else.  For each of us should carry our OWN load."  Meaning, work on yourself, and where you are at.  Stop looking at where others are because we have no idea about their journey, just our own.  I wasn't born to live under pressure to be like anyone else, but to fulfill God's purpose and plan in my own life.  Of course, we are here to help, serve and encourage one another, but don't get trapped in the enemies plan to get us envying or comparing oursleves to those around us, it steals our joy and leaves us deflated, knocked down and temporarily out of service mentally.

 I heard on a radio station once, that the best way to combat comparing yourself to others is to have a thankful heart.  You see, if you start thanking God for who you are and how you were created, it will lead your heart and mind to see all the good in you. I have a hard time with this so bare with me, as I write this just know that DAILY I ask God to help me be thankful.  Daily I ask HIM to help me see myself through HIS eyes.  I am 35 years old, I have spent the former years not enjoying life and focusing on faults and failures and I REFUSE in the name of Jesus to let the next 35 years be the same.  God tells us in Haggai 2:9 "The glory of this present house WILL BE greater than the former house', says the Lord Almighty.  And in this place I will grant PEACE" declares the Lord Almighty.

I want my latter days, the days to come to be greater.  I don't want to live with regret and look back and see that I wasted time complaining or feeling less than what God made me to be.  I'm not perfect, I have a looooooong way to go, but that okay.  I love the way He loves me no matter what!

Lord, I pray that we would fix our eyes on YOU, not what others are doing, have, or even look like.  Help us to see ourselves through your eyes and walk tall, head up, shouilders back and know "I am fearfully and wonderfully made", "You are not man that you should lie" so if you say it, it must be true!  Bless and help anyone who feels less than enough, who struggles with finding their value and worth.  Help us to be thankful and grateful for what we have and who we are.