What do you compare yourself to? Or should I say who? I have many moments of weakness when I find myself comparing my life to the lives of others around me.
Coach and I were talking the other morning about a coach that was the topic of ESPN radio for wrecking a motorcycle with a 25 year old young woman on the back. The young woman happened to be an employee of his and a former student of the university. I am not speculating as to what their relationship was based on...but what I do know is that the man is married...with children.
I asked Coach...what would a married man with children see in a 25 year old ex volleyball player?
Stupid question...I know.
I know what a married man would see in a 25 year old ex volleyball player/employee. What I don't know is how the physical image of a young woman overshadows the life and commitment of a marriage and family.
As a married mother of three...I start looking myself in the mirror. Not that I think Coach would leave me for anyone...but...what would a 25 year old ex volleyball player have on me? In society's view of attractive...
height (no doubt)
toned muscles (that is a given)
a waistline (what does that even look like?)
smooth skin (no comment)
stamina for life (in comparison to exhaustion)
a life without complication of children...mortgage payments...grocery and gas prices...health issues...etc.
Okay...so a 25 year old ex-athlete might have a few things that would attract a married man.
But...what I have to give is so much more. I can give...
love
understanding
compassion
my cooking (questionable, but the attempt is there)
commitment
time (whatever I have left after a day with our children)
intent (this is for the exercise portion of this post...the intent is totally there and should count for something)
My point...if I can find one...is that there is more than meets the eye to a committed relationship. In comparison physically, I have not a lot to offer. I have had children and am raising those children. They come first in every sense of the word. I can offer my friendship...my love...my understanding...and the commitment I made so many years ago. If that isn't worth more than a good body, I don't know what is.
I should not stare at myself in the mirror with disappointment even though there are days when I do. I should not try to compare myself with women who haven't lived the life I have lived. Each one of us is different and has so much to offer. Living in comparison isn't what God wants. What he wants is for us to live as a reflection. We reflect his love and his life...and we live.
My goal is to compare less...and live more.
Have a blessed day! <3
Referee of 3
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