HOW TO LOVE THE LIFE YOU’RE LIVING
“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.” Galatians 6:4 (NIV)
Today’s guest post is by Nicki Koziarz. She is the Creator/Leader of the well known Proverbs 31 Ministries.
While Nicki’s main focus and passion is reaching women for Christ, her messages are relevant to both men and women alike. Nicki’s message and devotional featured today is a prime example. How often do people, in general, compare themselves with celebrities: “If I had the money that [insert Name of fave celebrity here] has, I’d be so totally happier than I am now.” But would you really? Are you ready to strap on the troubles all that money created for them? Nicki argues that God is interested in using us as we are, where we are, and with what we have—not our wannabe selves.
I spent the first few years of my childhood in a small town. We were by no means well off, and we always seemed to have just enough to get by. So rarely was there room in our budget for extras … like the black and white saddle shoes I wanted one year.
My dad was the high school football coach, which meant I spent a lot of Friday nights with my mom and brother in the bleachers. The game itself was anything but thrilling to me. But I didn’t mind going because it meant I was able to watch the cheerleaders. That was exciting!
I would watch and dream of the day I too would get out there in a pleated skirt with pom-poms and make the crowd roar with enthusiasm for our team. The cheerleaders must have known how much I looked up to them because they invited me and my best friend to come cheer with them for one of the last games.
Our elementary schoolgirl excitement was out of control!
High school cheerleaders?! YES!
We practiced in the backyard every chance we could get leading up to the game. And one afternoon, we even put on our uniforms.
But my zeal for this opportunity quickly faded as I looked down at my friend’s feet. She had a pair of brand-new, shiny, black and white saddle shoes!
My thoughts screamed with envy: What? Where did she get those? I need a pair too!