Once upon a time there was an author who wondered if anyone would ever read her books and enjoy them. Everywhere she looked, there was someone who sold more copies, hit more lists, and won more awards. The ways to measure success were everywhere. Numbers of reviews. Number of contracts signed. Even the number of books stolen to train AI.
Then she one day she realized all the looking around her was stealing the joy from the reality. All she’d ever hoped for was to see her name on one book in print.
That dream had come true. And she was blessed.
Earlier this week I gave a workshop to a group of undergraduate women on confidence. I created these first two graphics to go with it because while we can power pose and do various things to be more confident, I think comparison is a trap that we can all so easily fall into. It doesn’t matter who we are or what we do, there is always someone who is doing more or better. They are further down the road than we are, and that can leave us feeling behind or unfulfilled.
Another way to think about this is the phrase “Keep your eyes on your own page.” God’s writing such a beautiful story in each of our lives, but when I’m so busy at looking at the story He’s writing in everyone else’s lives, I miss the masterful story being woven in my own. There is so much to be grateful for…so many ways He shows up over and over again. But it’s also easy to miss if I’m looking away from the narrative He’s writing and wishing for someone else’s journey instead of my own.
What are ways you’ve let comparing your today to someone else’s journey derailed your ability to enjoy where God has you right now? How can you settle in and celebrate the chapter He’s writing right now?
Every new season needs a new book to read. Use the form below to enter the giveaway. I’m giving away a copy of The Accused and a copy of The Vanished plus I have bonus books to add. When you enter, you’ll be added to my mailing list, and you’ll have multiple opportunities to participate.
The Accused: Eyes on Your Page Giveaway
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“Don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty.” I love this Cara. I remember a wise woman telling me one time, not to compare my insides with someone’s else’s outside. Both of these are wonderful reminders that our eyes should be fixed on Jesus and not others. Our story is our own. Thank you for sharing this today. What a great reminder!
Oh! That’s great advice, too, Melissa!
Honestly, I don’t compare myself to other people. I never have. God gave me a personality that doesn’t do that. I’ve never had to follow the crowd in any way.
I love that for you, Trudy!