Peter did it.
"But Lord, what about HIM?!" (John 21:21, slight paraphrase, emphasis added...)
Martha did it.
"Lord...tell my sister to help me!" (Luke 10:40)
Moses did it.
"Oh, my Lord, please send someone else." (Exodus 4:13)
Even the Apostle Paul did it.
"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost." (1 Timothy 1:15)
Do you see the trap these biblical characters fell into?
COMPARISON!
The Comparison Trap
Nothing good comes of comparing ourselves with others. On one hand, we can look at what other homeschool moms are doing (sourdough bread on the regular, raising chickens, perfectly mannered & matching children, or whatever it is we see or THINK WE SEE happening "over there") and we think we can never, ever match up. We aren't "good enough." We're failing our kids, our families, because we just can't do [fill in the blank].
Or...on the other hand, we look at what others are doing (or not doing), and secretly we feel a measure of pride that, well, we're doing it "better." Clearly we've got this homeschool thing down. (Um...yeah...be careful with that!)
Humility in Homeschooling
I confess I've fallen into the comparison trap myself. I think more often than not, I've leaned toward the first extreme - looking at what others are doing and feeling I just am never going to measure up. At the same time, I have to confess there have been times when life feels more or less smooth, and it's in those seasons I've had to battle some self-righteousness and pride. God has graciously let me fall on my face multiple times so I can learn that really, anything GOOD that comes out of my efforts to homeschool, train, and disciple our children is 100% His wonderful, amazing grace!
And truly...I've also learned that any failures, any decisions my children have made that have not been what I would have prayed for...well, there's so much grace there. Mama, we do what we are called to do and leave the rest to the Lord. Be sure to stay in God's Word and bathe yourself, your marriage, and your children in prayer!
For a few more thoughts on this topic, check out this video. And let me know what you've observed when it comes to the Comparison Trap!
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