I want what she’s got
Joan was having another downer. “I wish my daughter was the one getting married instead of my niece. The wedding is going to be amazing. My sister’s life is so much better than mine. She always gets favours from people and things never go wrong for her. I wish I had her life.” Joan had made choices which had brought her many disappointments. She wanted the same happiness her sister had. Joan looked at what she didn’t have and this made her envy her sister.
Not a good swap
Wanting what others have is a real trap. It unsettles us. It makes us feel worthless. It can even lead to depression. I remember wanting another’s life twice. I wanted financial security like Sharon. I wanted a property portfolio like hers. I’m glad God didn’t give me her life. She ended up battling cancer for 11 years and lost her battle and her faith two years ago. Her three children share her wealth.
And then there was Liz
Liz was perfect like a model. She had a beautiful face, a body like Elle McPherson, long flowing hair and designer clothes. She spoke at women’s conferences and was elegant and graceful. I wanted to be her. I’m glad God didn’t give me her life. Her husband returned to his former alcoholism lifestyle and she had to endure years in court through a nasty divorce.
Distinction and specifics
Now that I have grown up, I’m grateful for my life. I appreciate uniqueness. We are who we are through our own experiences in life. God designed us to be women of distinction not women of duplication. He has assigned specific good works for us to accomplish what only we can do. Your job in life is to be the best you possible by God’s grace. Our job collectively is to support and cheer each other on.
On second thoughts
Joan quickly changed her mind when I challenged her desire for her sister’s life. Her niece was marrying a Frenchman, and she was leaving the day after the wedding to start her new life permanently in Canada. I asked Joan if she wanted her only daughter and future grandchildren that far away. The romantic fantasy disappeared and Joan came back to reality. She was glad her daughter was staying close.
Let’s be grateful for what we do have and let’s celebrate our distinctive differences.
* All names and places have been changed