If only I could climb like that girl? How come she is so much stronger then I am? How does she have the strength to pull off that move? She is learning so much faster than I am? I stink at this, why can’t I climb harder routes like the other girls?
Have you ever had a problem with comparing yourself to others? Have you looked at someone else’s life and wished it was yours? Wished you had their job, their talent, their spouse, or financial situation? I have! The problem with comparing yourself with others is that you will always come up short. You will always find areas lacking your life. As a result, you can miss out on the unique plan and purpose God has just for you.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
Think about this from a climbing perspective. If I am constantly looking at what and how everyone else is doing, I will miss out on the joy of the route in front of me. I have found climbing to be full of challenge and fun, no matter the level. I have also been robbed of that joy of appreciating where I was by wishing I climbed like someone else.
As with life, climbing is a process. Enjoy the route God has placed before you. Do not worry about that person who got there faster or easier. Fight through your problems, overcome your challenges, follow the route placed just for you, and make it to the top.
So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. – Deuteronomy 5:32
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. – Ephesians 5:15-14
God has a plan for your life. You may miss it if you are busy looking at someone else’s life. When this happens, you replace the feelings of peace and contentment with anger, frustration, and bitterness. That other person’s route is not meant for you. Climbing someone else’s route will cause you to get stuck, or take a bad whipper.
There is nothing more satisfying than running your own race, or in other words, climbing your own route. By relieving the pressure of being like someone else, you can enjoy the process of learning. You can sink into every move upward, savoring the journey though the ups and downs your climb offers. You may even be able to take a moment at the top to enjoy the view, and relish in your victory.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, – Hebrews 12:1
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6