She's Not Her Either.

The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully,

but they cannot compare with the 

wings and feathers of the stork.

Job 39:13 (NIV)

That verse may sound as perplexing as the title of this post.

I'm not sure that I can even grasp the meaning of the verse myself, but you can perhaps gain better understanding of the title by reading my prior entry here.

I'm not her...that perfect woman.

And in reality, she's not either.

No matter how sparkly our smiles are on Sunday morning...or at Ladies Bible Study...or at the company picnic...or at the neighborhood swimming pool, each of us carry some amount of heartache within.

Why do we compare ourselves to others? 

Why do we pack up our emotional belongings and head out on a trip to LessThanLand?

Why do we assume that her life is pure sunshine?

Why do we put pressure on her to live up to the standards we constructed in our minds? She carries her own burdens and insecurities without our aid in heaping them on.

I've been on both sides of the fence. Peering at others, wishing my grass was as green. And being looked upon as the one with lush gardens.

Either way, it's wrong. It's unfair.

Oh that we could see ourselves and her through the eyes of One who truly sees.

We are treasured possessions of the Creator of the universe (Deut. 7:6), the One who knows our every thought and Whose thoughts of us are too numerous to count. (Psalm 139:2,18). We all are loved with an unfailing love, a love so great that He would allow His own Son to be sacrificed on our behalf. (John 3:16)

Each of us falls victim to the reality that "In this world you will have trouble." And likewise to the future hope that we "take heart [because He has] overcome the world." (John 16:33)

So let's pray for one another. Let's give ourselves and her a break. Let's cut the cords of comparison.

Whether we are "ostriches" or "storks," we are all in need of the Savior and His loving mercy and grace. And He has poured it out for us in abundance. Let's follow His example and do the same.

I'm praying for your wings of freedom to "flap joyfully" today! Also praying that if you find yourself "earthbound" that He will set your heart on higher ground. You are loved!