Top-Not

It hurts when I have friends tell me that they're "just a mess." They might have lost their job or maybe a relationship ends with the person they thought they were going to marry. What it often boils down to is statements like these: "I thought I was going to be in a different place by now," or "I thought I was headed in a different direction." This is a terrible feeling and a clear symptom of a different issue. I've written about trusting God and about His plan for you, but what I think this feeling of emptiness stems from is a sickness of pride, disappointment of unmet expectations and a lack of humility. If you're honest, how many times have you felt less than your best and justified your state by saying, "Well at least I'm doing better than ______." This type of comparison somehow gives you a shimmer of peace that you're closer to the top than that person.

When you think of “the top", what comes to mind? Is it to have a husband who provides enough for you to be a stay-at-home-mom with your children? Is it to have a high paying job or have an article written about you in 30 Under 30? Maybe it's nothing immaculate and that's why you're upset you don't have it yet because you aren't "asking for much." When you think you've got it together or you're making it, it's going to be a painful tumble when you find yourself in a different situation than what you expected. Friend, you may be in the place right now that you nearly have it all. Think of life like a steady ocean wave. Consistently up and down because of the tide. Life is much like that.  At some point you will find yourself at a loss whether it’s a loss of a family member, money, love, or happiness. If anything, please remember the truth that is this: the consistency of God's goodness never changes. Our life circumstances will change, God will not. 

When life's blessings are abundant, praise God. When you've found yourself at a low point, praise God. What you view of plenty is little in the eyes of God. By no means should you not aspire to have a family, successful career, joy in what you do, but don't let it be your end all be all because if you were to lose it you’ll be met with the disappointment of unmet expectations and the sting of hurt pride. This is because what you believe you have worked yourself so hard towards is suddenly gone or different. 

So what should we put our hope in? How do we keep ourselves in check? Where do we gain strength when we're knocked down? Read the truth here in Psalm 62. Verses 9-10 are the key scriptures. "Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them." 

No matter where you are in life remember God's plan can never be ruined by you, you are loved but you're also not the hottest potato. Be humble, be kind, and be thankful. 

"Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life." — George Arliss

Photography by Noah Berg

I found this precious romper when I was on a vacation in Alabama. My family went to the adorable (and stifling hot) Fair Hope for a day, and we went to our favorite boutique there, Private Gallery. Babes, I'm sorry but it's going to be hot for a while longer. I guarantee this will be a piece I live in for the next month at least. My dad made fun and said I looked like a pajama ninja, but do you think that stopped me from wearing it?!

Romper: $42, Private Gallery 

Wedges: Vaneli for Jildor  

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