By Brenda Cannon Henley
Hebrews 12:1b
“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
Having heard two messages on comparison lately, and reading a third one, I have been giving the matter some thought. I have known for years that oftentimes comparisons are bad business and damaging to one’s best interests in life, but I became more acutely aware of this error in judgment after relocating to Florida as a member of the senior community.

It seems that the perennial influx of snow birds to our area causes great concern to some, and their returning north in late March or early April brings great joy to others. We most often hear driving habits or slowness of step discussed, but overcrowding, taking too long to decide on a purchase, and clearly not being fit to understand a simple statement also makes the lists.

Snow birds really don’t bother me and we have some wonderful people in our church that fall into this category. They simply have two homes. One is good for warm weather and one is acceptable for cooler seasons. I enjoy hearing about their home state or country, likes and dislikes in food, their children and grandchildren. I have come to think their lives are exciting. The only major difference I have come to observe is that our parking lots, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and roadways are a bit more crowded than usual. But, I have learned that one can learn from every person they meet if they take the time and meet every person half way.

Reading Hebrews 12:1 from what is traditionally referred to as the Heroes of Faith chapter of the Bible reminds me once again that God made each of us as an individual to serve Him and others with whom we come into contact.

These acts of comparison start early in life, but guess what I have learned lately? They continue for many throughout life. And, in some cases these inner and outer scorecards on life are very damaging and out of control. Young children notice things about their bodies, abilities, toys, and families, and begin to compare. They often want others’ possessions.

A young slightly built teen male might look at a bigger, stronger friend, likely to be a better athlete, and wonder why he isn’t more fit or more talented in a sport. Girls become frantic over presumed beauty, height, weight, hair, clothing, personality, and get way off track trying to mimic or be like the most popular females in class.

Businessmen and breadwinners wonder what they did wrong if their business or profession stalls when others seem to win on every hand. Mothers, bless their sweet souls, try for the most part, to equip their sons and daughters to be ready for the roles life will bring them, often comparing themselves with others in their circle.

I have discovered that this cycle of comparison continues even into the world of senior citizens. Some we meet tend to gloat about their good lives, possessions, accomplishments, families, and even health. Their snarky conversations tend to leave their often lonely hearers to wonder what they did wrong or when and how they failed in life.

Social media has not helped this matter, and in fact, has put fuel to the fire. Folks, please know that the faces portrayed on someone’s page is most likely a far cry from the reality of their daily life. Photoshop and other tools of the trade do wonders to improve looks and misrepresent ages and needs.

God doesn’t intend for us to run someone else’s race in life. He created you to be you and me to be me. That does not mean we are to stop striving to learn and improve our beings. My thoughts are simply a warning to stay in our own lane and not become so busy trying to run someone else’s race that we are miserable and defeated. Life is to be enjoyed, appreciated, and shared.

I read an article Ann Voskamp wrote about how the sin of comparison is killing us. We use comparison like a measuring stick, assessing our own worthiness based on others’ victories or failures, beating ourselves or one another down with it.

Let’s vow to stay in our own lane and teach our children that God made them to run their own race. We will begin to live happier and more productive lives and suffer less stress and heartbreak.

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at 409-781-8788, or
[email protected]

[March-2-2020]