Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Welcome from the Stye!

Pig and hen compare.

Oink? Really? Most pigs I know either grunt or squeal. They squeal when they are excited about something (like someone else stealing their food) and they grunt the other times. Not a pleasant sound but considering their life’s goals…perhaps understandable. The hen, on the other hand, makes many sounds: various clucks, clicks, and squawks. The hens in our stye make mostly a contented clucking sound.

One day a pig and a hen were discussing their contribution to the farmer. The hen was clucking on about her beautiful eggs that were fried or boiled or used to make cakes so light and fluffy. The pig was questioning her commitment. “You have it easy,” the pig grunted, “your egg costs you a little discomfort. The ham or bacon I contribute costs my life.”

So maybe that is why the pig grunts and the hen clucks.

Perhaps comparing commitments makes the pig grumpy.

Someone once said, "Comparison is the thief of joy."

When we look at others and compare how hard we are working for the farm it can make us grumpy.

The apostle Paul (Philippians) keeps his eye on God and can rejoice even when he knows that his life will be required of him.

So, let's keep our eyes on God and not on each other when we want to evaluate our lives. It may save us from grumpiness and unhappiness.

BTW…the pig suggests we have fried chicken for dinner. BAWK!!!