Thank you, Bethany. I have long admired your writing and continue to be inspired by it. I didn’t touch on it here in this easy, but I think that *being inspired* by others is a good antidote for envy, too.
I am 10 weeks postpartum with a 2.5 year old as well and I’ve found myself longing for the days when I didn’t have a family, when I was able to go out for drinks, or to the gym, or just able to watch a podcast in peace - but I don’t seem to remember the long drives to work everyday where I would pray to God for exactly what I have now! I prayed everyday that God would lead my husband to propose (he did), that we would have a beautiful wedding with God at the center (we did, even during COVID), and that God would bless me with children I could raise to be His humble warriors (He did!). Daily I need to be reminded of this. The days can be intense sometimes, but I’m also reminded that time is so fleeting… and that is heartbreaking to me as I look at my precious babes growing so fasting. Daily I just need to be reminded to truly live in the moment and be present with my children, through it all! Thank you for the words!
Would you believe that I felt a twinge of envy that you have tiny babies!? Ha. Yes—enjoy the sweet season you are in while you have it; it’s a precious gift!
I read somewhere that comparison kills joy. For some, your words are perfectly written and deliver exactly the right amount of comfort. That’s how they are for me. You are rich beyond comprehension.
Yes, gratitude is a power for good in so many ways, and your beautiful, honest look at envy—and how insidious it can be—is an important reminder at this sacred time of year. Thank you for the gifts you give us through your beautiful and inspired writing.
Thank you so much for this essay, Shannon. I was blessed by this reminder, especially of the great wealth I have been granted in my family. (i appreciate you hitting that publish button to bless me today.)
Thank you for this, Mrs. Shannon. I struggle with envy, too -- but, unlike you, it has been an affliction since the early days of my childhood. I have been trying to work against it more and more lately, but it seems as if it were part of my nature. I will try your approach.
It’s a lesson that is taking me a long time to learn (and I’m still learning it), but God really does want to help us make strengths out of our weaknesses. That gives me a lot of hope.
Shannon, this is lovely and necessary. Thank you for the quiet, substantial ways you share yourself with the world. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Bethany. I have long admired your writing and continue to be inspired by it. I didn’t touch on it here in this easy, but I think that *being inspired* by others is a good antidote for envy, too.
Beautiful, Shannon -- thank you for this perfect introduction to Thanksgiving break with my family. There's so much to be thankful for!
Thanks, Kate. I didn’t intend for this to go down the gratitude path, but that’s where my thoughts ended up taking me! It was serendipitous timing.
I am 10 weeks postpartum with a 2.5 year old as well and I’ve found myself longing for the days when I didn’t have a family, when I was able to go out for drinks, or to the gym, or just able to watch a podcast in peace - but I don’t seem to remember the long drives to work everyday where I would pray to God for exactly what I have now! I prayed everyday that God would lead my husband to propose (he did), that we would have a beautiful wedding with God at the center (we did, even during COVID), and that God would bless me with children I could raise to be His humble warriors (He did!). Daily I need to be reminded of this. The days can be intense sometimes, but I’m also reminded that time is so fleeting… and that is heartbreaking to me as I look at my precious babes growing so fasting. Daily I just need to be reminded to truly live in the moment and be present with my children, through it all! Thank you for the words!
Would you believe that I felt a twinge of envy that you have tiny babies!? Ha. Yes—enjoy the sweet season you are in while you have it; it’s a precious gift!
A good word. Thanks, Shannon!
Beautiful, Shannon, thank you!
Thanks, Noelle.
I read somewhere that comparison kills joy. For some, your words are perfectly written and deliver exactly the right amount of comfort. That’s how they are for me. You are rich beyond comprehension.
Thank you. And you’re absolutely right— riches beyond compare! It is humbling.
Yes, gratitude is a power for good in so many ways, and your beautiful, honest look at envy—and how insidious it can be—is an important reminder at this sacred time of year. Thank you for the gifts you give us through your beautiful and inspired writing.
Thank you, Elizabeth.
This was an incredibly timely read! Thanks for sharing (and loved that quote at the beginning)!
Thank you!
Thank you so much for this essay, Shannon. I was blessed by this reminder, especially of the great wealth I have been granted in my family. (i appreciate you hitting that publish button to bless me today.)
Thanks, Leah. It was in part due to your kind encouragement that I wrote (and had the courage to publish) this piece at all. So thank you! ♥️
That’s kind of you. I hope you are feeling a bit better today 💕
Thank you for this, Mrs. Shannon. I struggle with envy, too -- but, unlike you, it has been an affliction since the early days of my childhood. I have been trying to work against it more and more lately, but it seems as if it were part of my nature. I will try your approach.
It’s a lesson that is taking me a long time to learn (and I’m still learning it), but God really does want to help us make strengths out of our weaknesses. That gives me a lot of hope.
Your words give me new hope. Thank you!