Have you ever heard the saying…. “That’s like comparing apples to oranges!”  Well I’ve heard it a lot, but am just now understanding the WHOLE meaning of it.  I always felt awkward when I stumbled into a conversation comparing one teacher to another, or even more awkward  comparing one Christian to another; but I have officially entered into the domain of comparison when I became a momma.  I was so innocent…never thinking that this would be an issue.  However, I find myself more often than not, trying to navigate around the topic of comparing one momma to another.  To me, this is the ULTIMATE “apples to oranges”….both fruits are perfect in their own right, but oh so very different.  So many times I just want to stop the conversation and say:  “Wait!  Don’t get sucked into this trap of comparing yourself.  You are a good momma.  God chose you for your baby.  And God chose her for her baby.  And God chose me for my baby.  It’s a beautiful thing.  Don’t hurt it or make it into drama.  Just enjoy the differences.”  I see so many friendships ruined by this continuing desire to prove ourselves as the A+  Momma.  Which truthfully, I understand the desire for wanting others to see you as a good momma.  (I will detour quickly to the topic of comparing one military wife to another….oh my, this is just as awkward and distructive….please beware!).  I remember someone once said, “everything that comes out of your mouth is either helpful or hurtful” and I am just beginning to sadly see what they meant.

This being said, I think we should accept the challenge to step up and be the encouraging friends we are called to be.  God tells us in Matthew 5, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons (and daughters) of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.“  In other words, let’s do MORE than just the status-quo.  Lets love on those Mommas that need that encouragement.  Many times, people who compare just need someone to tell them that they are doing a good job. 

So embrace your orangeness or your appleness :)   And be the best Momma you can be!  Search the word, be a prayer warrior for your children, love yourself, give God your strengths AND your weaknesses because He can use them both to raise your children!  And the next time you feel the awkward compairson conversation starting, just focus on loving that Momma threw it and keep on turning that cheek.  “The Lord WILL fight for you.  You need only to be still.” -Exodus 14:14

Thanks for letting me use my silly sayings…..I can be such a fruitcake sometimes ;)   hehehe….last one, I promise!

Lots of love to all you Mommas (teachers, military wives, Christians, and ect…) out there! -Rebekah

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