You know the type....

You know those people or families that seem to have it all together?  You read their updates on Facebook or see them at the kids' school and they have the perfect spouse and the cutest kids and the most fun hobbies and activities?  We all know the type.  It's so easy to gauge these people from the outside.  Of course they have their lives in order without effort, they have regularly scheduled date nights attending couple's Bible Study, their children eat their kale dutifully each night and they whip out the best dishes for the potluck.  They don't have to bribe their kids with Starbucks to go to church on Sundays (guilty!) or feel the accusing stare from their spouse over dusting the blinds too infrequently (no comment).  They have it so easy!  Or do they....

One thing that never fails to surprise me is the magnitude of problems each couple/family has.  I don't know why I continue to be shocked at some of the issues people face, but each scenario I hear helps me to overcome my feeling of envy of others a little less.  That perfect couple/family may be facing addictions, financial difficulties, infidelities, health crises, depression, abuse, etc.  You wouldn't know it from the outside, but there absolutely is a hurdle contained within.  We're talking serious stuff here!  We're all human and we're just trying our best to hold it together each day; to give off the appearance that everything is fine.  Perfect, even.

There is an old idea that says if you throw your problem in a jar with everyone else's problem and you had to select one back out......you'd pick yours everytime?  I think that's true. 

One thing I'd like to work on is to be more encouraging to others.  A well-placed compliment can boost someone's disposition and potentially turn a bad day around.  If you appreciate something someone has done/said, say so!  You never know who may be on the verge of tears and could use some kind words at just that moment.

Appreciate the good things in your life.  Know that no family/couple/person has the perfect life and that God has individually given you the circumstances you face for a reason.  Be tolerant of those that appear mean or rude, because chances are they have got way bigger problems than you can imagine. 
And lastly, try to refrain from bragging about how awesome everything in your life is…..I know better J

OK, my moral lecture is done for today.