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How To Survive THRIVE - Spiritually

Day 2:  You Grow When You Celebrate Instead Of Compete

When my husband and I got married, we chose Proverbs 27:17 as the Scripture for our wedding day. Thirteen years later, we often laugh about this and wonder why we didn’t choose something more agreeable. 

I think even as youngsters who hardly knew each other,  we knew our relationship had a spark to it. We’ve learnt over the years that when we compete with each other, the spark can burn down the house. When we celebrate each other, the spark sets off fireworks of inspiration and joy. 

Theodore Roosevelt says that comparison is the thief of joy. 

Who do you compare yourself to?

When you measure yourself against this person, how do you feel?

Comparing ourselves to others is a trap that many of us fall into. We measure our worth, our success, our importance or our value by measuring ourselves against others. 

Who works harder? 

Who is more successful?  

Who earns more?

Keeping score in a relationship is a guaranteed way to wreck it - whether it’s a friendship, a marriage or a working relationship.

We can outgrow comparison by choosing to celebrate each other instead. 

Comparing myself to my husband leaves me feeling depressed, bitter and uninspired. But when I celebrate Tom’s successes, I am inspired. When I marvel at his capacity, I feel excited about what we can accomplish together. When I’m grateful for his contribution, I stop feeling short-changed. 

Who inspires you? 

Why do they inspire you?

As you think about this person, notice how you are feeling.

Think about someone you’ve compared yourself to recently. 

How can you celebrate them today? 

Let them know how they inspire you, or challenge you, or what you appreciate about them; and ask God to help you celebrate instead of compete.

Written by Jess Basson | UMH \ \ PM Pastor