Don’t do it. Don’t do it. Click.
The title read, “Bikini ready body after just having baby No. 2.”
I glossed over the actual article while eating my salad during lunch break. I went straight to the pictures.
The proof.
I want my toned abs back. I thought. Ok, so I never really had toned abs, but I’d like them.
Where are her stretch marks? Aren’t tiny waist, tight-skinned people prone to stretch marks?
How did her hips go back that quick? I’m still spread eagle over here.
Taking another bite of my food, I stare down at my fluffy stomach and start digging the proverbial hole so I can lie in my grave of shallow self-worth and shame.
I’m ashamed that I haven’t shed all of the extra pregnancy weight. I’m ashamed that I had too much fun “eating for two.” I must be lazy. I should exercise more. Cut out sugar completely. Try another cream for the stretch marks. If only I could have breastfed…
But luckily I catch myself before I dig all the way to China.
I’ve played the comparison game many times over in my thirty plus years. And every time I find myself drowning in a fishbowl of envy. That’s number ten on the list. Envy, jealousy, or coveting. They all mean the same thing. And I take those commandments rather seriously.
Number ten. It always has a way of creeping up on me and kicking me in the tail. I imagine it is one of your biggest struggles too.
I managed to put my shovel down. I looked at my reflection bouncing off of the screen.
And I said, “I am a unique creation, a woman set apart.”
And so is the woman in the magazine. And the lady next to you on the bus. Your elderly neighbor and the young mom in the pick-up line. All of those women are individually knitted together, bestowed with unique gifts and talents, and are more precious than rubies. (Proverbs 3:15)
And so are you my friend!
You are a one of a kind diamond.
He made you uniquely His.
Uniqueness by itself has no comparison. Therefore it is a complete waste of time to compare two unique beings.
What we do have in common is insecurities and doubts. We have good days and bad days. We have messy bun hair days and rocking those skinny jean days. We all have responsibilities and job descriptions and we juggle a lot of things at once. We also have dreams and goals. And different timelines of reaching those goals.
And we all have the love of a good, good Father.
So I am going to pray to my good, good Father that I stay out of the fishbowl of envy. That I appreciate the gifts given to me. I’ll pray to give me a celebratory heart. A heart that celebrates other’s victories and my own. And I will pray to use the beauty and power of my uniqueness to glorify Him.
Getting in shape is one of my goals. I have two boys to keep up with! I’m making healthier choices and prioritizing exercise when I can. It’s just going to take me a little longer to reach my goal weight.
And that is okay!
So I continue munching on my lunch and start scrolling again…
Don’t do it. Don’t do it. Click.
The title read, “Best ever chocolate cake recipe.”
Okay, so maybe it’s going to take a lot longer. Toned abs are overrated!
She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. (Proverbs 3:15, NIV)