Comments on: In Comparison of Others

By: Jenny B. Jones

Jenny B. Jones — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:50:22 +0000

This morning I heard a quote, “Quit being a David in Saul’s armor. Be yourself–with what you’ve got.” I love that. Great post, Jen. (Though I’ve always disliked the phrase “Keeping up with the Joneses…” ha. Though it’s not as bad as a friend of mine who hates the phrase “crack of dawn.” Her name is Dawn.)

By: JenDeshler

JenDeshler — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:23:52 +0000

Kim,

Aren’t you so glad God still yanks us back to the center of His will? Knowing I will continue to mess up every day, I’m jsut thankful that still happens.

You are Definitely in your sweet spot…and we all get to benefit from it

By: JenDeshler

JenDeshler — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:22:07 +0000

Rach,

You’re right–that balance between living life and abandoning it all for Jesus is so very hard. But it’s the journey that makes it fun, right? Thankful for the teaching and encouragement you pour into us.

By: Kim Cash Tate

Kim Cash Tate — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:49:28 +0000

Ah yes, the comparison trap. In every area of life, temptations abound…from the way others are raising their kids to the difficult roads we may have to travel that others don’t. And of course, in this business of writing, what others are doing is ever before us. Who’s on the bestseller list? Who’s featured on the blog? Who’s popular and gets all their posts retweeted? All of this always gets me off-center….then God has to yank me back to the main thing. Him.

If I know I’m operating in that passion you spoke of, a passion that God’s given me, and I know I’m in His will, I can rest that wherever I am is where I’m supposed to be. That also helps me to rejoice with others who might be where I’d LIKE to be.

Jennifer, you’re where a lot of people would like to be, doing what they’d love to be doing. But more importantly, you’re where God has put you, and it’s obvious you’re shining there.

This post is much needed. It’s always good to be reminded that our eyes shouldn’t be on others, but focused above.

Kim

By: Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:37:03 +0000

Is it possible to not compare? In some way? I want to dream and believe it’s possible. I love Paul’s words to the Corinthians. “If you compare yourselves to others you’re stupid.” (Rachel translation.)

I’m stupid a lot.

Lately though, I’ve flipped it to not compare and size up or wring my hands over “why them and not me” but think, “Look what is possible. Look what I might be able to achieve!”

Yet more and more it’s not about me but it’s about Jesus and partnering with Him for His kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. It’s hard to walk the balance of “living life” and “abandoning it all” for Jesus. It’s a both/and that scours the heart.

I agree with Lindsey… from what I’ve seen you’re a fabulous, devoted mom with a sincere heart. And a darn good marketing director.

Rachel

By: JenDeshler

JenDeshler — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:33:40 +0000

Jason,

So true. But the fun challenge is in asking God if this is a trait He wants us to have and submitting to that training to learn something new. You’re doing great!

By: JenDeshler

JenDeshler — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:32:31 +0000

Wow. You know how to make a girl feel pretty good about herself
I’m continually thankful that God made you, Lindsey. Thanks, friend.

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:21:38 +0000

Oh yeah…I struggle with this all the time. It’s harder for me when I see someone who’s successful in the thing I want to be doing myself.

By: Lindsey Nobles

Lindsey Nobles — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:20:48 +0000

In the game of comparisons, we all come up losers. Losers.

Jennifer, in case you didn’t know….you are the go-to idea generator, you are the single-super-hero- mom who has raised an EXCEPTIONAL child and flourished in her career, you are the supreme encourager who says just what others need to hear, you are a rock star in my book.

Thankful you are on my team, in work and in life.