Ever heard my ‘battery theory’?
Well…notice how some people have lots more energy than most of us? I mean – TONS more??
I have a friend who has six kids. At one point, she was home-schooling several of them while working part-time, serving as president of a women’s organization, and volunteering at a children’s theater for which she sewed 40+ costumes every single season.
For real.
I don’t think she sleeps.
One time, I told her I believe she was born with ‘D’ batteries, while I was given the ‘AAAs.’
Now, I could belittle myself for not accomplishing as much as she does each day, but what good would that do me?
I’ve traveled down the “woe is me” road before, and it’s a bumpy ride.
It makes me anxious, actually.
Why?
Because when I compare myself to others, I am placing them (or their this or that) above me or below me. It’s as if I’m standing on a ladder, looking up or down.
So – let’s consider…
By definition – this situation is unstable.
A ladder is NOT a rock.
I need a big, flat ROCK to stand on.
And I’ve found – strangely enough – that my soul was built for this.
It’s called toward only One rock.
A verse from Psalms sums this up nicely:
Teach me to do your will,
For you are my God.
May your kind spirit guide me
On ground that is level.
-Psalm 143:10
I need to stand flat-footed in this world – keeping proper perspective. Humble before the God who looks on me as his beloved, beautiful one (Song of Songs 2:10). Shoulder to shoulder with my fellow humans. Focused with a grateful heart on the One who gave me Life, and acknowledging my talents as His gifts, for His love surpasses all human kindness, and His intentions are perpetually pure.
My gifts (and yours) are perfectly suited to their recipient, and when I seek the counsel of the Giver, I will be blessed with guidance on how to use those gifts, and when.
There is a quote hanging in my home office that I read every day to remind me that there is Hope and a Plan for my life, set forth by the One who created me to be uniquely myself:
Let us not be confused by the talents and missions of other saints.
Let us be the kind of saints we were created to be.
– Mother Angelica
So be it.
