Relevant Encouragement

This past weekend I had the blessed opportunity to attend the Relevant Conference again.   I love blogging and it is a gift to be able to spend the weekend with other women of faith who are passionate about blogging too.  I walked away refreshed and inspired. 

You and I are different.  We are all unique.  Yet, I suspect that the majority of us struggle with the same thing.  Comparison.

Our Friday night speaker Joy really spoke to my spirit.  She reminded us to “not allow comparisons to steal our joy.”  The joy in embracing the abilities that God gave each of us.  How often do we spend our time and energy looking at the talents and gifts of other people?  It drains us.  It  robs us of seeing  the beautiful abilities that we each have been individually given. 

That each of you have been given.

Maybe you have no idea how to save money at the grocery store.  You know what?  That is ok.  Allow others to share that gift with you.   Your gift is different. Appreciate it.  Be thankful for it.  Embrace it.  Use it.

I do not have the vision for design as my friend Darlene.  If I become enslaved to that fact, it paralyzes me from doing what I do.  Then, instead of sharing my gifts, I do nothing.  Nothing, but feel like everyone else has “it” together, but me.

Crystal Paine, aka Money Saving Mom, is my frugality hero, after all she is the pioneer of frugal blogging.  She has awesome gifts that go beyond saving money.  It is easy for me to compare myself to her.  However, I am not her.  I have not been given the same abilities, mine are different.

So many other amazing women that I admire and am blessed to know.  If I compare myself to any one of them, I feel inadequate.

Good Deal Mama.  A new sweet friend. 

Sally Clarkson, my motherhood & homeschool inspiration.

Homeschool superheroes Jolanthe, Stacie and Carisa &  lil’ol’ me

Stacie was a wonderful support to me & now new friend

Another longtime blogging inspiration for me, JenYou must go visit Logan. She is contagiously enthusiastic.

I am easily ensnarled with comparison.  Holding that thought captive prohibits me in sharing with you what I know and love.  It causes me to feel disappointed that this is all I have to give you.

And you?   I encourage you to stop the silent comparisons that may haunt you.  You are unique.  You are gifted.  You have something to share.  No gift is to small.  Do you have the gift of cleaning?  Share that with me.  Please.  I implore you. 

Do not allow comparison to prevent you from doing what you do.  After all, in the wise words of Ann Voskamp,

There are no “rockstars” in heaven.