31 Days {Day 3}: Your Situation is Unique

I talked yesterday about how neither of us should ever feel as though we are alone in our mothering journey.  There is always someone, somewhere who has experienced what we are experiencing.  However, your situation is unique. 

I have been married for 10 years and am a 31-year-old mama of five.  My kids range in age from 1 to almost 9, which means they were born in a little under 8 years.  We homeschool and worship at home.  We live on one income and we own two vehicles.  My husband works long hours in the spring, summer, and fall, but he is at home for ten weeks in the winter.  Most of our family lives in the area so we have emotional support and the occasional babysitter.  We own our home and have a lot of grass to cut. 

I've often fallen into the trap of comparing myself to others.  Not the "keeping up with the Jonses" sort of comparing, but a "How does she do that?" kind of thing. 

How does she take her girls to dance class two afternoons a week when I can barely get dinner on the table by the time my husband comes home from work?

How can she afford to buy all organic food?

How does she run errands and take her kids to the park before lunch when I'm tired just thinking of going to the grocery store in the morning?

How does she find time to sew while I can't find a minute to replace the button on my son's jeans?

How does host large gatherings in her home?

She runs all her errands on the weekend.  Am I doing too much or stressing my kids out by doing mine during the week? 

The thing is:  she is not me.  She may have two kids or seven. Her kids may be older or younger or have different temperaments than mine.  Her child may not take a nap in the afternoon anymore.  Her husband may work from home or work nights or be gone for months at a time.  Her kids might go to school everyday.  She might live in a apartment or work part-time. 

Comparing myself to others is always futile.  Instead, I must be thankful that He has given me my own path to walk and rejoice that He is lighting the way.