I’m glad you came back after yesterday’s less than…uplifting…post. I know it’s not easy. I promise I’m walking this road right along with you. Every lesson learned, Scripture written down, encouragement shared – it’s as much for me as anyone.
And it’s for my daughter.
I don’t want her to grow up with a legacy of jealousy in our house. I don’t want her to see that this is an appropriate way to live, being envious of others, holding achievements close to her heart, not sharing with those who care about her or inviting those she cares about to share.
I’m breaking this legacy. One step, one Scripture, one cry out to God for help at a time. We can do this. We can be mamas and wives and digital missionaries who do our part to be a light where God has us.
Today’s Reading
- Read Galatians 6:4-5 in any Scripture translation you prefer.
- Now, grab a notebook, post-it, or note card and write it out.
Examine your own work.
Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.
Carry your own load.
My daughter is going to grow up in a world of social media and internet connectivity that I can’t even begin to imagine right now. She’s watching me, even now, to see how it should be used. She’s watching me struggle when I start comparing my work to someone else’s, and she sees me thrive when I stay focused on my own work. I want her to grow up knowing how to use the good in it all – the ability to stay connected, to meet knew friends, to encourage others, to learn more than she could ever imagine, and to be inspired.
That means I need to be incredibly intentional about the way I use these gifts God has given me. If she sees me caring more about what everyone else is doing, wondering if I’m good enough, giving up when I feel like nothing is going my way – that’s what she’ll learn. Exactly the opposite of what I actually do want her to learn.
Patience. Kindness. Joy. Perseverance. That’s the legacy I want to leave my daughter.
Questions:
- What legacy did you inherit that you’d like to break (anger, jealousy, bitterness)?
- What legacy would you rather leave?
- How can focusing on your own work keep you from jealousy?