Blog Time Blues

"But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." 2 Corinthians 10:12b

Can I be honest with you about something? Sometimes blogs that are meant to be a source of encouragement...actually discourage to me. Oh, it's not their fault. The ladies who create these blogs do a beautiful job bringing some much needed refreshment into the world. It's my own weak mind that occasionally allows the light of their glory to cast a shadow over my day.

You see, most of the time when I look at these creative blogs, with their eloquent wording, soothing background music, and delightful photographs of children romping around the antique farmhouses in which they live, I am enlightened. I sit back and let their brilliance shine blessings into my soul.

But not today. Today these blissful blogs became a thorn in my side. It all started while our girls and I were making chocolate chip cookies in the kitchen. Everything was going just fine until I became painfully aware of my old, plastic sugar container sitting on the counter. It's cracked cover and vanilla stained masking tape label made me wince.

"I bet the Blog Ladies (that's what I affectionately call them) don't have sugar containers like this," I thought to myself, "I bet their sugar containers are beautifully, hand painted crocks handed down by their great, great grandmothers - crocks so lovely they are purposely left on the counter for others to admire. No, the Blog Ladies would never have an eyesore such as mine tainting their kitchens."

These thoughts prompted a strange sort of twinge in my heart. Not a twinge of jealousy per say, for my plastic sugar container has served me well over the years. And I suppose if I really wanted a beautiful antique sugar crock I could go out and get one. It was more of a twinge that my sugar container was a representation of my life in general and that maybe I had somehow fallen short.

You see, I'm not creative like the Blog Ladies, and we don't live on a rambling ranch with sheep and chickens and vineyards in my back yard. My children don't wear hand knit sweaters or sleep in iron post beds. We're just your typical suburban family with scooters in the driveway, Target brand clothing and yes, ugly, plastic sugar containers.

But the Lord reminded me that it's okay. Actually, its more than okay. For it doesn't matter what the sugar container looks like as long as it serves the purpose it was intended for...storing sugar. The same holds true for my life. I may never acquire the Better Homes and Garden lifestyles that I see on other ladies' blogs, but I will be faithful to serve the Lord (just as they do) in what He's called me to do - to love and care for my family. And the truth is, my children could care less what the sugar container looked like today, all that concerned them was that I was spending quality time with them. Oh Lord, please bless the Blog Ladies and help me never to unnecessarily compare myself to them again.