Not Your's

I bought this exersaucer for J last week. Natalie was pretty jealous the first day and repeatedly trys to climb in it. Once she gets in it she gets stuck, bored and just wants out. Yet, she continues over and over to get in it. I repeatedly tell her, "That is not your's why are you playing with it?" Then it struck me one day, I am often like this silly toddler.

A bit of a motherhood metaphor.

This toy is actually a little advanced for Jenna. Something she can handle right now, but will need to grow into over time. Natalie had many toys, suited for her and ones that encourage her development. Yet all she can do is look at this toy, see that it must be cool because it is what J is doing, maybe get a little jealous, and is sure that she would enjoy it as well. Yet when she gets into it she soon discovers that it is not what she wants at all.

How often do I do that as a grown human being? I know that this life I have with all of its ups and downs, twists and turns, and stages is designed perfectly for me and for my growth.

Yet, so many times I get disgruntled, bored, or think others have a more perfect fit or cooler things than I do. I get jealous and sometimes even distracted from getting the most joy out of my life because I compare my situations to others and where they are at and think I need to be doing what they are doing.

When in reality our Heavenly Father probably looks at me like I did Natalie and thinks, Why? Why would you want that, when I have given you exactly what you need to be happy and grow.

The only thing I get by comparing, envying and trying to be like others is less joy, contentment, and peace. I will try to remember this as I continue to move forward in life to not compare or envy. I have what I need and I need to love it now, because I won't ever be in this same stage of life again.



Justin and Ruth Blazzard