Jealous?

I have been mulling over some thoughts for the last couple of days and I figured I would actually put up a post of worth or at the very least something more than letters. So maybe this will make sense or at the very least let me lay out my thoughts in words.

I have a lot of talented people in my life. My best friend is the type of teacher that I thrive to be, naturally gorgeous, and incredibly wise. Tennessee can take photographs that earn her money because she is just that great. Her skills at decorating, especially on a tight budget, should place her in a magazine. My roommate is an artist in so many senses of the word; her paintings and stained glass windows filled our place with beauty and worth. Her ability to love, even when others or myself don't make it easy, astounds me. The kid can write in a way that puts the famous word makers to shame and those words flow freely from her mouth like they are as natural as someone else saying "yes". The younger, yet taller, kid knows how to draw and create art with no background or training; she is happy and typically oblivious to the bad in the world. My sister has the life, a good job, a great dog, and an amazing husband. I could go on and tell you about the friends who have full-time jobs, have paid off their loans, and have their lifes figured out- to an extent. I could tell you about a lot.

The thing is, while I love all these people there are times in my life when all of these characteristics and talents make me jealous.

I get jealous because I look at them, whoever they are, and compare my life to theirs and see all the ways I don't match up and I become jealous.

I think we all do that, compare ourselves and we are then faced with the downfall of being human- jealousy.

Sometimes I wonder, if we spend time being jealous do we have time to praise and appreciate others for the talents they have. What if when someone shows me some of their art, reads some of their words to me, or is looking beautiful I simply appreciate them rather than comparing?

The desire to compare ourselves to others can only harm us. We, even if we aren't willing to admit it, desire to be better, perfect, talented, and flawless. Yet, it we were all the same there would be nothing that makes us unique, nothing that is our own and separates us from others, makes us exactly who we are to be- unique.

What if instead of being jealous I am just thankful that the Lord has seen it fit to bless me with wonderful people who reflect Him in so many different ways?

What if I stopped being jealous and instead simply appreciated and saw joy in other?

What if?

Peace.