Every December, my family gets together to make Christmas goodies, listen to Christmas music, and just enjoy each other's company. The house is filled with the sweet scent of Oreo balls and peanut butter fudge and the sound of laughter and chatter. My description of the sound is a bit of an understatement though: there is no quiet place at all. Actually, I honestly think the only time we were quiet this year was when we crowded together and used the timer on the iPhone to take a group photo. Needless to say, it was great.
I am the youngest grandchild in my family; when I was born most of my cousins were young adults or teenagers. Due to this age gap, my cousins have children or stepchildren, and there are now ten great-grandchildren (four living in California). We are a big family, putting it lightly.
At our Christmas party, we had a ten year old, an eight year old, and two two year olds playing together, one of them being my nephew. One would expect it to have gotten a little out of hand, but for the most part, they all got along great. Let me tell you, God had something to teach me through my little cousins and nephew.
There was a little train they all wanted to ride, but there was only room for one to ride at a time. At first, the toddlers seemed disappointed; however, they quickly adjusted and waited their turn. These children each had their chance to ride and were content in that.
Often times, we compare our journey to that of others and get frustrated in the season God currently has us in. We want what someone else has because it appears they have it so much better. This habit of comparison steals our joy and ultimately causes us to question God. If my little cousins could understand that they couldn't be the only one riding the train, then why can't we? Your friend, coworker, or classmate may be "on the train" so to speak right now, but that doesn't mean that your turn isn't coming up.
Last night, I read the Christmas story to gain fresh perspective on a story I have been taught my entire life. What struck me that I had never paid attention to before was the joy of both Mary and Elizabeth. These two women were given children around the same time: Mary with Jesus, the Son of God and Elizabeth with John the Baptist.
Both of their sons grew up to play major roles in advancing God's Kingdom, but it is obvious that Jesus, being God Himself, made a much bigger impact than John. What is so interesting to me is that Elizabeth and Mary never compared God's plans for their lives and were content right where He had them. Elizabeth didn't envy Mary for getting to be the mother of the Messiah; she was thrilled to have a child of her own and honored to know the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:42-45). Mary didn't envy Elizabeth for having seemingly an easier path with her pregnancy since the man Elizabeth loved would not initially think she cheated on him; she was overwhelmed by God's goodness in her life and overjoyed to be Jesus' mother (Luke 1:46-55).
It is clear through my little cousins and nephew along with these two women of God that when you run the race that is set before YOU, you are much happier and satisfied. God's path for you is for you for a reason, so walk in His purpose for your life. You will never be disappointed when it comes to Jesus; He never disappoints.
