We had no intention of singing. The visit to a Karaoke night was purely for entertainment purposes.
The range in vocal ability and style was vast. One woman was shy and faced away from the audience when she sang. Some were modest and sang from the heart. Others had fun and interacted with the audience. They all brought enjoyment to the evening.
We overheard conversations about practice and performance skills from a few. They took this very seriously.
I was fascinated to watch and listen as the singers took on a new persona when they picked up the microphone. Once the music started it seemed as if they thought they had become the original artists. Maybe the impersonation of someone they admire helped boost their self-esteem.
This is not a judgment, as I know I’ve done the same thing. When I see how popular and successful you are, it is only natural to want to duplicate this in my own life. The trouble is, I’m not you and never will be. Instead of striving to be like you, I need to be the best possible version of me.
Ironically, the way to do that is to model myself after a well-known figure. Jesus is the only one I should be striving to emulate. In fact, he wants me to mold my life after his. The more I am able to do this, the better my life will become.
I pray that the glorious Father, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know Christ better. (Ephesians 1:17 GWT)
Well said Tandy…..I can particularly relate to comparing myself to others and perhaps feeling as though I am missing out or that I don’t have the full measure of the abundant life that God has promised. When is enough just that…..enough. I need to pray to be content with what I have in this very moment. That no matter what material things, success, etc., I strive for, that right now I have my salvation and THAT is more than enough.
Thank you for this reminder.
Thank you for letting me know I’m not alone in this. Comparisons always leave me feeling like I don’t measure up. They also mean I’m focusing too much on myself instead of Jesus. Tough lessons!