Reflection and Discussion Ch8 Q1

        “Comparison causes us to compete with each other, but no one wins.  God never intended for us to compete with each other; He wants us to complete one another, celebrating and encouraging each other’s strengths while discovering who He created us to be” (p.137).  In what areas do you tend to compare yourself with others and feel like you don’t measure up?  What did you read in this chapter that can help you break free from the comparison trap?

I think it’d be easier to look for areas I don’t tend to compare myself with others and I never measure up in any area I compare.  I’ll give the area that discourages me the most:  Relationships- everyone seems to be able to find someone to care for them, to find them attractive, to pay attention to them.  Even when I go out into an environment that encourages that, the only guys that talk to me are the ones that are married and came along as a wing man or designated driver and want to talk about their wives and kids, or I get the freshly injured that are looking for a therapist to help them get their loved one back.  It’s almost a joke at times.  I’m not looking for a one night stand.  I want a companion to grow through life with me.  It’s all I’ve ever wanted for as long as I can remember, so naturally (or humanly), it’s the area I compare the most.

I think the thing that has helped me the most in this chapter was the encouragement that God needs me to be who I am to be a part of His plan.  I loved Lysa’s cake analogy.  And even in my head I can think that maybe I am the way I am so those guys that are there for their friends support don’t make a stupid mistake that would hurt the families that they love or make a step that would bring them down instead of lift them up.  But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt to not be seen as desirable or worthy or a good parent or any of the other ways I compare.  I’m working on it and constantly reminding myself that I am fearfully and wonderfully made; I am chosen and loved; I am part of a bigger plan and that I too will be used for good to complete His purpose