Perceived Perception

Many weeks ago I was standing near the back of church where we usually sit for ease with lots of little kids...

As I was facing forward I began to think about some of the hardships of my life when I noticed in perfect line a couple and their two beautiful children.

I noted to myself that the mum was always well dressed, carefully groomed and always looked great. After two births in under two years (I think) she's very thin. Hair always looks just great and she has a love for the Lord with family history of believers. Her husband (whilst not as beautiful as her) is always well dressed (when I see him).
Their two kids are cute as anything, well behaved and very loved.

I began to look down upon my four op shop dressed kids and across at my Mohawk/mullet hair cutted hubby who was barefoot... Really... Are we that daggy? I mean I still havnt lost the baby chub after the last baby.

I thought other stupid things like:
* bet they havnt had problems like we do
* bet they don't use cloth nappies like I do
* they already own a house, unlike us
* she's probably a great mum too! Better then me!?!

Amongst other equally pathetic things...

My life began to really suck!!!

I said to my hubby I'm looking around at church and I see the perfect two kidded family that just looks so perfect!! And my life sucks!!

He (wisely) says to me "yes but you have four kids! Like you WANTED" and I thought your so right!! What was I thinking? What was I putting myself through?

I HAVE the life I asked for (minus the goat,... And perhaps the house)! I have four wonderful kids...!!!

Then I remembered something she'd shared in a group setting, that her hubby has been having trouble getting a better more suitable job, and I remember her sharing some problems she was having with one of her babies and then I realized that she's little different to me and the rest of the world!! They have struggles all the same they are trying to work out... And she became human to me.

I re-loved my life, my hubby and kids... I stopped believing the lie that my life was less then 'theirs' whoever 'their' was to be..

I was reminded.. That everyone we meet in the street is facing some sort of challenge of their own... Whether we are aware of it or not.

So be nice to the next nasty person you come across, you don't know what they are going through..

5 things I am thankful for:
1. My kids, that bring meaning and purpose to my life
2. Knowledge of truths such as challenges we all face
3. Being an overcomer - not to be held down
4. Strength and courage
5. My God, for believing in me and loving me