“But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.”
2 Corinthians 10:12 RSV
I have been at countless airport luggage carousels, watching as bags innumerable drop from the chute. Some of those pieces are very nice. Smart leather trim. Clean. New. In my daydreams I wonder what would happen if I swapped my old, scuffed-up luggage for one of those fancy new pieces? I wouldn’t, of course. But if I did, what might I find inside? Elegant clothes that don’t fit. Shoes I don’t like. Make-up that doesn’t match my skin tone. Jewelry that’s clunky and overdone. And what might I lose in this hypothetical deal? I’d lose my speaking notes, my favorite dress jeans, and treasured personal jewelry. I would lose the devotional book I love to read in the morning. In fact, while the bag I took might look better on the outside, it’s a no-brainer that the stuff on the inside wouldn’t be a good fit at all.
Sometimes we like to imagine ourselves swapping lives with others — lives that look so much more attractive and desirable than our own. But the truth is, we really don’t know what’s inside their lives. We forget that God has equipped and enabled us with special abilities to cope, grow, and thrive through life’s challenges. We forget the loyal friends and wonderful people He has placed around us, and we forget the incomparable, eternal purposes He is working through our lives. I may have difficulties in my life because of my disability, but I wouldn’t trade my “baggage” for anyone else’s!
Sometimes when we long to escape the life we have, it’s because we have failed to take stock of our blessings and resources. Think through the friendships, life experiences, encouragement from other believers, and gracious provisions from the Lord that are part of your “baggage” today.
Father God, I thank You for the unique way You have provided for me, showing me Your tender love through the years. Help me to keep my eyes focused on Jesus, rather than comparing myself to others.
