I clearly remember a summer morning in my teens, driving with my best friend, aunt, and mom. I was learning and incredibly self-conscious, not wanting to “mess up.” For the first few minutes, all was well—then we pulled onto a main road. I felt my body tense up, my eyes didn’t know where to focus, and my knuckles were white as I clenched the steering wheel.

I’m not entirely sure what transpired next, but I blew it! All of a sudden the vehicle was filled with well-meaning advice, correction – and yes, a couple of gasps. I pulled over and tearfully requested a new driver.

My aunt, never one to shy away from giving her “two cents”, said “Why, because you made a mistake? Or because we corrected you? Or is it simply because you think someone (besides your friend) saw you?” OUCH!

My tears grew to a wail as I attempted to as, “Yes”, to it all! Instead, I just nodded.

It did bother me. I failed in a car full of people I loved. I wanted to do well. Period. And sure, it was one of the busiest roads in town, so the thought had crossed my mind that someone had seen me – which was humiliating!

As I sat there nodding, rather than console me, she reproved me with these words, “How does your prideful ego fit in this car? Get out! I’ll drive.”

Granted, she could have been more graceful, but she wasn’t wrong. I’ve thought back on that day so many times on my journey through young adulthood, marriage, motherhood, ministry and so much more.

Ladies, think about how frequently we “cruise” through life, striving to honor God, only to mess up, be criticized, or reproved. What is our response? Do we pull over to throw a pity party?

If you’re anything like me – sure you do! Discouraged, we often ponder questions like, “Can I do this?” or “How could I let everyone down?” Perhaps one even wonders, “Who is watching me?” seeking approval or fretting correction.

Now that the enemy has us discouraged, soon we find ourselves distracted and comparing our journey with someone else’s. (This is what I call “veering into someone else’s lane”.) Social media is a perfect example. How often scrolling through someone’s “highlight reel”, do we struggle with feelings of insecurity or covetousness? Don’t have social media, good for you, but what about social events? Do you ever feel pressure to impress or compete with others? Or social interactions like catching up with a friend. Can you honestly praise God for her blessing or accomplishment?

We all have seasons where we struggle and find ourselves on this winding road. Whether it’s clothes, kids, cars, houses, body image, husbands, or ministries – yep, I said it – comparison knows no boundaries. It is not a respecter of people or circumstances. The bottom line is this: comparison is a sin rooted in pride and discontentment. It’s a road that almost always leads to distraction, destruction, and disaster.

In the coming weeks, I plan to focus on the topic of how the Word of God teaches us to “stay in our lane” and remain on the path set before us, all for the glory of God.

I hope you’ll come back for that! Until next time…stay steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding!