{Photo card from Lisa}Because that is true, I believe we will have peace to the degree that we are less envious of others' situations, less threatened by others' accomplishments, less concerned with others' progress, and more concerned with God's divine will for us."
A Quiet Heart by Patricia T. Holland page 19
I have struggled with feelings of envy in the past and feel like I've been doing much better in the last year. I'm not sure what exactly has helped me to change, but I think reading my scriptures daily, blogging about those feelings, and trying to focus on my strengths have all contributed to me being able to better recognize the talents and blessings I've been given, so I can focus less on the ones I haven't.
Isn't it comforting to think of the Lord having a plan specifically tailored for each one of us? I wonder if He gets frustrated with us as we spend our lives complaining about what we didn't get and wishing for things our friends have, meanwhile He has given us all kinds of other things to help us accomplish our life's purpose. Even though we grow up physically we're often still children aren't we?
**What do you think?**
20 comments:
I'd never really thought about that aspect of it, what the Lord things when we sit and complain about what we hav or fon't.
It is comforting to know that the trials in my life aren't dumb bad luck, but divine intervention, the same as my blessings.
That is a wonderful quote and I love the way you expounded on it. Concentrating on the specific plan the Lord has for us would help so much to eliminate envy.
Absolutely, Jill. I read that quote slowly to myself and it's all important to remember. I always see God as my parent and I'm his child, and that way I can relate it to how I FEEL as the parent to my children.
I adore Erin and Isla for being my two daughters. The are both girls. Both mine. Both my husband's. But there's no way I'd want them to be exactly the same and do exactly the same things with their lives. I will fully encourage them to explore their OWN gifts and skills as they grow up, and I will marvel at and celebrate their differences. Apart from frustrating him when we complain, how must we BORE God when we aspire to be the same as our neighbours? To want to keep up with the Joneses? I always think it's the same feeling when Erin comes home from school and says she wants to have something, or do something because so-and-so has it or does it. I want to shout, 'Arrgh! You're your OWN person, Erin! You don't have to be the same as so-and-so!'
I mean, Jill, don't you see it in Landon and Whitney? I expect you want them to know that they really have free rein to be their own person under your guiding hand?
I hope you understand that huge blurb - I'm doing church magazine work here, so have some sort of preacher's head on me!!
I have been thinking about this a lot lately because it is an area of my life that needs improvement. I am able to serve the Lord so much better when I forget about being self-conscious and just love other people.
The more you quote this book the more I realize that I need to get it!
Beautiful quote. I love the thought that God knows me personally and gave me talents to help me during my stay here on this earth. That we are all here for a specific purpose. It is shameful to think of ever not being grateful for what he has given. A great reminder today.
That book sounds like it has a lot of valuable/insightful information. I'm really glad you posted these thoughts and quotes today.
by the way, what a cool photo (card) to go along with this post.
It IS thrilling to know that God has a plan for each of us! I feel like I need to everything I can to discover what that plan is for me individually. If desiring only what God has willed for me is part of that, then I need to do it better!
I loved that quote. I think we are all guilty of this to some degree. It helped me when I had the AHA! moment of...I am an individual and my Heavenly Father knows ME, I'm not just a mass but someone that HF worries over, loves and continually blesses. I'm sure that sometimes He just shakes His head at me and even that is a comfort.
This quote totally hit home as I felt the world (well last week) was falling on me. It's good to know I am not alone going through my own trials. It definitely makes you think of things in an entire new perspective!
Love this! I had a moment this week where I was just feeling so abandoned and forgetten. ANd as I was talking to my son about the power of a WARD FAST and asked, "don't you think God will hear such a powerful prayer?", I felt overwhelmed by the spirit that he does hear me and that I am not forgotten! Our trials, our struggles get us on our knees, humble us, and cause us to become more focused on 'what is MY purpose?' I know that this trial seems like too much right now, but continue to trust and have that amazing faith that you have, and mircales will happen. You're right on with the gratitude part. I just read a great scripture today; D&C 78:19. I wrote it on my chalkboard in my kitchen to read all week!
Oh, and I have had some Good Mail sitting here for you, so hopefully, I'll get my lazy butt to the post office this week and send it off. When I saw it, I immediately thought of you!
So fun to see my card! That photo speaks volumes to me and I couldn't believe that it was just right there on my driveway last year! It is a photo that I treasure.
Great reminder today, thanks! We all have our struggles that is for sure. Some are seen, most are unseen. It is helpful during these times to remember who were are and the main reason we are here on earth. It is great to remind one another OFTEN as well!
Thanks, again!
YOU can do hard things! Hang on!
Wow, Jill--thank you for this post. It felt like I was sitting down, having a one-on-one conversation with you. Every sentence you wrote had depth of meaning to me. This is also something I struggle with. I don't envy possessions of others; however, I DO envy talents.
I've thought often about how I tend to compare my weaknesses to others' strengths. But I've never put it in quite this context that you did; I really like how you connected our individual talents (as opposed to talents we do NOT have) to what purpose we have been given on Earth. That struck me profoundly for some reason.
Yet again, cheers to you and your wonderful blog.
First, I think that the photo card from Lisa is the coolest.
Knowing that the Lord has a plan just for me is the ONLY thing that helped me through divorce with a 3 year old and a newborn. I know it wasn't coincidence that I was employed by my church when all of that happened, either. It's almost like God knew that the marriage ending was inevitable, so He set me up with the best support possible, so that I'd turn to Him and my church family first.
I have to remind myself daily that surely it hurts God's heart when I get jealous that my house hasn't sold so that I can have a bigger one when many people, those I help in my daily work included, would be joyful just to have A house, any house. It's something I work on daily.
excellent reminder!
That is a wonderful perspective on resisting envy. It is a special feeling to remember that God has a special plan for each of us.
I HAD to comment this time. I read your blog often and have commented a time or two, but to be honest usually feel intimidated. So, it's funny to be reminded that no matter how popular someone is in blog world they too have those feelings. I just always look at how many adoring followers (commenter's) you have and figure my little two cents wouldn't matter.
Just so you know, I think you are fabulous, and your talents overwhelm me. I love the picture and the words with it. My hubby and I have been talking a lot lately about teaching our kids to "do hard things." It's so important. If you don't mind I'd love to copy the picture from your blog.
Thanks again for all of your words.
Love the quote. Think I need to get the book. I find great comfort each Sunday as I lead the children singing of Christ. I am reminded that I am a daughter of God and He loves me. Thank you for your comforting Sunday post.
Great, great quote, Jill. And it is truly comforting indeed!
I have heard that this is a great book. I haven't read it though. I love that someone sent it to you.
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