I stood at the kitchen counter, perusing photos on Facebook. Somehow I ended up on the page of an old friend, whom I haven’t spoken to in years and years.
Her life looked so different than mine.
Scuba vacations to exotic isles, snow skiing trips in the middle of the summer, fancy clothes and fancier events, it was one amazing experience after another.
I looked over at my pie crust in the Cuisinart and felt very…ordinary.
It wasn’t humility I was feeling, it was insecurity; as if I was once again the only girl without a prom date, wondering what it was like to wear the corsage and dance the night away.
I didn’t begrudge her the exciting life she was living, I just sort of lost hold of the joy of living my own.
I rolled out the round crust for the apple pie I had started and reminded myself that I didn’t choose this ordinary life, or even this ordinary day. It was chosen for me, by the God I promised to serve.
For years I have taken one step at a time, entrusting my future to Him. To now wish for another, more glamorous road would require treason of the heart. I would be turning my back on the One who led me to my ordinary calling as a wife, mom, and friend.
Not to mention, it would be a prideful thing to look at those I treasure most and say that all of “this” is not enough for me, when I so often face blessings I know I do not deserve.
Practicing perspective and humility can turn the tables on insecurity and pride.
Later that night, I sliced pie and scooped homemade ice cream. I wore yoga pants and a tank top, we ate at an old farm table covered with water color stains from art projects, and the locale was just our little house in Austin.
But I didn’t think of Prom, Fiji, or the Alps one time. My heart was too full to wonder if I was missing out on anything more.
I wrapped my arms around Mr. Fantastic and knew that there is nothing ordinary about my life, for I am loved in extraordinary ways.
Oh, Carrie, I feel like I could have written this post on any given day in my seemingly ordinary life of laundry and carpooling and sandbox play. (But I couldn't have written it with such beauty… too many favorite lines here to mention them all. Your way with words is delightful! Just left my heart full!) Thanks for the beautiful reminder that treason of the heart leads me no where. So glad I found you through Ann's link up today! Blessings from an ordinary woman in Iowa 🙂
So thankful I stopped by from Ann's. This is what I needed to hear "I didn't begrudge her the exciting life she was living, I just sort of lost hold of the joy of living my own."
I always find myself comparing my journey to others and of course theirs always look more exciting — how sad, because truly that's when I loose my joy!
Thanks friend.
http://positivelyalene.com
I'm amazed once again by you Carrie. 🙂
You are one of the woman who inspire me and remind me of the important things in life. At times I too have felt insecure, even prideful when I look at another person's life…your life actually sometimes. I must say I never begrudge you of your life. I just, because of my own personal flesh, lose some joy when I let the crazy thoughts in that my life could have been better a different way. When, like you remind me, my life is on the course it is meant to be on. God has His own plans for each of us. You are amazing, talented, funny and sweet. You're an awesome mother and wife…most importantly you have this amazing relationship with God. I can feel and hear God through you. Your strengths inspire me. Thank you for all of your posts, thank you for words, encouragement and reminders. I love you!
I love the voice that God has given you.
Thank you, Alicia!
Yes! I think it is hard to win the comparison game. The highlights from others' lives always look more appealing than the day to day of our own.
Thanks, Stephanie. 🙂