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We shouldn't compare ourselves to others because, unless we have pretty big egos, we'll never match up. And I suspect that we usually do - especially when they look at us.
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Sounds like some pretty good accomplishments to me. Personally I feel that sometimes it's an accomplishment just to get out of bed and head to work.
Why do you think you don't measure up? Is it that you want to do more in your life or do something different or . . . ?
One woman I serve with works as a homecare nurse in a Mormon household, and another woman I know is a clerk for the county. I'm an attorney, currently in grad school (again), while another man I serve with is former military, US Naval Academy (Annapolis) grad, now works as a consultant for the military and is also in grad school - and we both know that the 2 women I just mentioned are more accomplished than either one of us, despite our "accomplishments." They are not only on the front lines in their work, but also for the Lord - they serve Him with their whole heart, mind, soul and strength and proudly proclaim His glory to any and all who come into their paths. They also help lead people to Him on a fairly regular basis. Neither of us men do.
So, really, who's more accomplished?
It depends on who you speak with and what the guy is looking for. I look for common interests and background, similar views/outlook on life. If she's "accomplished" by worldly standards, great.
I think you measure up pretty well to others. Don't put yourself down.
I read this past week a take on the story in Luke 7:36-50, where Jesus is in the Pharisee's home. Recall that a woman anointed His feet with her tears, and His head with expensive oil, but the Pharisee offered no such anointment, even though that was the common courtesy offered guests at that time. This is the story where we get the saying 'he who is forgiven much, loves much.'
The different take is that while we usually see this as a story between Jesus and the Pharisee, with the woman as a bit player she is actually a key player in this mini-drama. The narrative centers on her. Also realize that she hears Jesus' words as well as those of the Pharisee. She is able to see herself through both men's eyes. She already knew what the world thought of her, and thought that of herself too (hence the tears) but to hear Jesus' take on it must have quickened her heart. She heard Him speak and realized that He didn't look at her past (mis)deeds, but at her heart.
Step back from how you see yourself and try to think of how those close to you view you. Do you not think your sons have high regard for you? Do you not think they would say you have a big heart?
But more important than how others might view you, even your sons, is God's view. It's His perception that matters, not the world's. We're all equal at the foot of the cross.
