Friday, March 26, 2010

Your strength, my weakness

There's an ongoing theme on mommy blogs about how tempting it is to compare ourselves with each other...how hard it is to remember that what we see on each others' blogs just represents a small slice of life. This comparison can lead to guilt, jealousy, or self-loathing. Ick.

I love this quote I came across, from the article "Redeeming Guilt" by Tricia Goyer, in the March/April 2010 issue of Thriving Family:

"One of the best ways to slam the door on guilt [or, I'd add, jealousy or self-loathing] is to realize we compare our weaknesses with someone else's strengths."

WOW. Does that hit anyone else like it does me? It's certainly a quote I want to remember.

And by the way, if this is something you struggle with, you just might enjoy this post from Eternal Lizdom as much as I did.

10 comments:

Call Me Cate said...

That's a fantastic quote, applicable to so much more than parenting. I know I find myself doing that all the time, I'd just never thought to frame it like that.

Wow, I really like it a lot. Thanks, Beth, for sharing.

Unknown said...

That is a great quote!

Dan & Hillary said...

Comparing ourselves and our kids with others'... the devil can take these thoughts and run with them:-( Thanks for the post!

Mom of Two said...

I am trying really hard to apply this to a situation right now over a jealousy issue, but I am having a hard time realizing what the strengths & weaknesses are. I am still left feeling offended and like they like another person better than me.

Faith said...

That reminds me of something I was told by a friend once. "Don't judge your insides by someone else's outsides."
Love your quote!

Anonymous said...

Impressive guote.
I came from Lizdom and feel good friday.
Thank you, that is one good quote.

Eternal Lizdom said...

Ah, beth. You are a special woman and I'm so glad we've become friends!

I think I need some time to wrap my brain around that quote... to think about how it really applies in my life.

Megan Fletcher said...

love, love, love that quote!!! you know that's something I've written about quite a few times, so it really struck a chord in my heart. thanks for sharing it.

Unknown said...

That is such an awesome truth, and I'm so glad you shared your little nugget of wisdom with the rest of us. I'm going to have to keep this one handy! Thank you!!!!

Sandra said...

What a thought-provoking post and quote. Well done.