Be Aware of the Comparison Game, Mommas

My six month hiatus was long with a lot of ups and downs, but also much growth. Although it was difficult, I am also thankful for it. I can look back and see the pain, but also see the fruit that came from it. That doesn't mean it was easy, but prayer and scripture is what got me through. And now while finding  a new normal, prayer and scripture is still what is getting me through. The hiatus brought to light a few things that had to go or be limited and I'm seeing that it might need to happen again. I'm talking about the need to compare, especially over social media. Now more than ever, we must be aware of comparing ourselves. 

We all know the comparison game was happening already. Who has their kiddo in this or that activity or sport. Whose kiddo is in honors class or not, and I'm sure the list could go on. In the homeschool world, as we are already responsible for extra curricular activities, we are also responsible for academics.

From curriculum, co-ops, crafts/experiments and music/art/sports lessons to what kind of schedule/routine to follow, while trying to remember the real reason we homeschool in the first place.......so much room for comparison. Being responsible for the entire day leaves a lot of room for comparison.

Comparing and reading ALL THE IDEAS was overwhelming, even before all the crazy hit!!!

Now, we have practically the entire country's (or world) public schools doing school at home (or was possibly sent home with materials) or if nothing else, being responsible for the entire day, every day for who knows how many more days. So now we have even MORE ideas and opinions - how to do public school at home, which isn't really fair for the child or parent, or how to just keep kids busy or suggestions on what we should be doing with the kids home, etc.

This is not a "XYZ is best post". Public is not best, homeschooling is not best, my curriculum is not the best. My "schedule" is not best. Screens versus no screens. School versus no school.

I'm certainly NOT putting down all the ideas for any of these options!!

My point is we are in a time that we have never seen before. The technology makes things quite interesting. It's both helpful and harmful all at the same time. We are all bombarded with information and ideas. It is difficult to filter what we really need to read and know versus what to just let go.

Now more than ever, we have to guard ourselves against comparison. Guard ourselves against what our best friend is doing. Every family is different. That was true before and it's still true with social distancing and with all the closures and cancellations, whether you homeschool or not.

Guard ourselves against social media that is not uplifting, positive or encouraging to our soul. You know what I'm talking about. If your Pinterest feed makes you feel worse about what you're doing or not doing, then stay away. It is not the time to compare your family time alone with others. Each family is unique.

Mommas, we are all trying to survive, but Jesus wants us to thrive. Thriving does not come from comparing our family, our abilities, our coping skills to every other mom (or idea) on social media. I am absolutely talking to myself here too!!! The only thing we should feel convicted about is what the Holy Spirit is leading us to do.

Instead of comparing and feeling down about what we aren't doing, pray and be thankful for what we do have and what we are doing. Ask God in prayer what He would have us to do today, rather than what the latest blog post tells us to do. The ideas and posts people have are great and if that's what your family needs, I encourage you to read them. If not, go on past and look inside your heart for what's best.

God is in control. Remember you are a great momma (don't listen to the enemy's lies). Grace is free.
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Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith.
​Be courageous. Be strong.
And do everything with love.
​1 Corinthians 16:13-14