Comparison is the thief of joy.- T. Roosevelt

Writing is hard—Plain and simple. Organizing the thoughts in my head into intelligible sentences – yes, even complete sentences is difficult – on a good day.

Add to this difficulty, a bazillion fantastic writers who link words together like chains on fences…perfectly placed prepositions…Biblical truths, funny stories, relatable lessons – with likes and shares on Facebook; Reposts on Instagram; Tweets on Twitter…

Then there are my posts: seemingly ineffective, just bouncing off the proverbial social media ceiling – returning to me having made no difference at all.

So why do I still write? Because I am compelled to write…to share what God is doing in my life. God designed me to write, to be a communicator. It is up to Him what He does with it.

I need to be faithful with the small things. To practice, to prepare, and to put out pieces as He calls me to do.

As I look to Him when I am feeling ineffective and small, He whispers words of encouragement. When I confess my sin of comparison, He is quick to gently remind me of small beginnings and to give me much grace as I stumble along this path of a writer’s life.

Perhaps these lessons are the very reason I’m here – to learn not to despise a humble start, not to compare my gifts, career, or life, to others, and be ready at all times to give and receive grace.

I can be confident in God’s ability to birth in me the character He desires. As I surrender to Him and His word, I can be assured that He will accomplish His plans for me.

“The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O LORD endures forever. “

 Psalm 138:8

With this confidence, I cheer on my fellow writers, celebrating in their success, not coveting them. My heart will rejoice in their victories, not harbor envy.

“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” Proverbs 14:30

What a terrible thing to miss out on all the friendships birthed from similar interests! It is from your encouragement, that I began this journey! The encouragement I received from you gave me the courage to begin.  Your love and kindness prompted me to take a chance and put my writing out there in social media land.

Thank you! Praise God! You, my Jesus sisters, are such shining examples of what Paul talks about in 1 Thessalonians 5: 11 “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

So, the next time I feel small and unimportant, I will remember you and your encouragement. I will write on, all for the glory of God!