Getting off the Crazy Train of Comparison
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We were driving through the beautiful rockies and I was taking in the view. Yes, there were similarities between the evergreens that populated the sides of the highway, but as I stared more closely it became apparent that no two were exactly alike.
Every June my family participates in Betty’s Run for ALS in memory of my dad. In this competition there is only one winner. One has the gold medal adoring their neck while the rest of us gobble up the consolation/participation prizes of hot dogs and mini donuts.
Is spiritual life like this— are we all running the same race, competing for the same prize? Riding on the crazy train of comparison sure makes us feel like we are. But last week I challenged you to ask a question we should always ask, “Is it true?” (You can read about it here.)
Is there one race with one prize?
I took my seat and couldn’t help but notice her.
She looked poised and polished. All the things I felt like I wasn’t. And a quick but slightly obsessive google on my part later that night confirmed she was also more of a professional in my desired field, her established one.
I had just come from leading a breakout session at the pre-conference to this main event. I came humbled, excited and anticipating what God might do, yet fighting the feeling that I wasn’t a “real” speaker which might leave people wondering why in the world I was invited to the table.
Despite the fact that many had been encouraging and affirming of how God had used me that weekend, there I was— on the crazy train of comparing myself to a woman I hadn’t even met.
It took all of a swift second to know what God was asking me to surrender.
My thoughts were still lagging on the crazy train but I was ready to get off. In God’s usual timely fashion, there was an invitation time built into the conference where we were invited to repent if needed— to turn away from something of our own, and turn towards God instead.