Tonight in my Bible Study we are discussing comparison and how as Teddy Roosevelt said it is ‘the thief of joy’. Given the root of joy is gratitude it makes sense that looking around at what everyone else has, or where someone else is, robs us of it. Today I am grateful that the Lord taught me this lesson, though not one easy one to learn. When the Lord teaches us, it can sting. But today I am grateful for contentment and joy right where He has placed me.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13