an opportunity to learn & grow?

I hear this a lot. Comparison is the thief of joy. Disagree! In my experience comparison becomes the thief of joy when it is rooted in pride. Pride pushes me to ask, Am I better or worse than you? Is my situation better or worse than yours? How much better or worse? Pride is the real thief of joy.

Comparison is simply an opportunity to learn & grow. Comparison can be grounded in appreciation not pride. Appreciation for differences & most certainly similarities, not better or worse qualifications.

Comparison allows me to know that I am me & you are you & that is ok. We are the same & different just as God made us.

It is natural to compare. It is a God given ability & a gift when used appropriately. Embrace opportunities to compare in a meaningful way, from a position of appreciation & the thief of joy holds no power.