the green-eyed monster

i've been trying to decide for some time now whether or not to write about this in my blog, but the subject won't leave my mind, and i've decided if i document it, maybe i can move on more completely. so, here goes. we have struggled in our family from time to time, over the years, dealing with mean friends, or hurtful comments, or unkind actions by those we associate with. i used to think you could avoid drama if you just wouldn't put up with it from those around you, but i have come to realize, you can't always control the drama around you. ENVY is an evil monster.

why is it when something good happens to someone else, is it difficult to be truly happy for them and not be jealous in any way? why, if someone gets a raise, or a good grade, or a new opportunity, or praise of some sort, do we often feel like it must mean we aren't as good as them? why is everything in life a comparison or competition?

i was reading an article the other day by Elder Holland, "The Other Prodigal", and i believe i received some enlightenment. "We live in a world that constantly compares people, ranking them as more or less intelligent, more or less attractive, more or less successful, and as others grow larger in our sight, we think we must therefore be smaller. But God does not work this way. He does not measure us against our neighbors. His gestures of compassion toward one do not require a withdrawal or denial of love for the other. He loves each of us-insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all. He doesn't measure our talents or our looks; He doesn't measure our professions or our possessions. No one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race is against sin, not against each other."

so, what am i trying to say? as for me and my house, we have a new mantra...try to celebrate in everyones success, sincerely! we are not less because they have done well. we will try to remain confident (even though the world teaches us differently) that we are still loved and cared for by our Father in Heaven...no matter what! good luck to us in remembering...