Wranglerdani, who is an awesome fun chick blogger person, asked:
If you could go anywhere and be anyone, would you pick a different life, or a different set of talents? How have you learned to love what you have and who you are?
Let’s just hit that second question – learning to love what I have and who I am. That’s tough. I think it has more to do with hormone levels and chemical balances and healthy lifestyles than it does circumstances.
The grass will always be greener on the other side. Patty Griffin will always be a better songwriter than me. Carrie Underwood will always have a better voice than me. Ashley Judd will always be more beautiful. Martha Stewart will always have a cuter house. That’s just how it goes.
Acceptance comes when we stop measuring ourselves against others, and start realizing that we are who we are because God made us this way. In the epistles, Paul writes that we are to measure ourselves realistically, not comparing ourselves with others. We are each uniquely packaged – uniquely gifted – uniquely designed. It’s not up to the pot to tell the potter how to be used; it’s not up to us to tell God what we are to be designed for. Our existence is, in itself, a gift.
It’s our job to be thankful – and live a life that shows gratitude in proper stewardship.
What are you thankful for today, in your own life, on your own not-as-green-as-the-next-guy turf?
Ummmm, ouch. Could you move over please? You are stepping on my toes. Especially when you said this: “It’s not up to the pot to tell the potter how to be used.”
That phrase will be on my heart all day today. Thanks for getting me thinking this morning.
I so needed to read this today. My challenge is to actually let the truth you’ve written about actually permeate my psyche. Because I still get caught up in the value by comparison game. But reading it has helped.
Hmmm, what am I thankful for in my own life? Right now, A/C that works, a pug that loves to be near me, a manicure appointment this morning, clean clothes (just did laundry) and new mercies when I woke up today.
thankful!
why yes…yes, i am.
this shout out goes to the spontaneous breakfast i had w/ my slice. Nothing beats th $4 plates at cracker barrel. hallelujah!
I am thankful that I woke up today healthy. Being retired I get to chose how I will spend the day. I do currently have a temp job to pay off a plumbing bill. I am thankful I have a temp job and can pay off that bill.
Jasmine tea, daily comic strips, the community of bloggers I am a part of, the waterfall in the park near my condo, being only 30 minutes from the waves rolling in over the beach, the inspiring stores, that feed my soul, I read daily about the many people who devote their lives to helping the less fortunate, my time at the local shelter where I get to help some of these people. my diabetes that forces me to eat a healthy diet, my character flaws that help check my ego and mean I will have soemthiing to working on for as long as I live.
I do fantasize sometimes about being smarter, better looking, being Elvis. However, I am thankful for all the lesson, some hard and painful, that taught me to be happy with myself, and to make the most out of what I have.
I can’t think of anything in my life right now that I am not thankful for.
Good answer.
an air-conditioner compressor that is no longer clogged with fire ants.
yes ma’am, i am very thankful for that.
i’m thankful that i love opera and am well-equipped to sing it…even though most of the rest of america just plain doesn’t get it.
i’m thankful for tv preachers who teach me about the Bible when i’m only in the mood to lounge on the couch.
and i am VERY thankful right now for cranberry juice.
You had fire ants in your Air conditioner! You lived with fire ants??
I guess my cold winter temps here in New England are good for some things. Like keeping the fire ants, and killer bees away.
well, only sorta. the compressor’s outside. where the evil fire ants live…
PS: gasp! Opera singers ROCK the hizzy. They have mad skills that nobody can even wrap their minds around. Can I have your autograph????
omg i love you forever!!!
What I think is most fantastic is that you are probably the only opera singer on the face of the earth that uses the anagram “omg” hahaha! And probably the cutest.
oh…and i’m also thankful that i have never…NEVER felt TRUE hunger.
thankful…and humbled.