There are some contrasts that automatically illicit a comparison.

The other day when I was talking with friend in Calgary, he mentioned that overnight they had gotten their first snowfall. It left just a light dusting over the ground and probably by midday would be all gone. 

But this was September 14th, and it made me feel kind of sad for him. In fact, I felt so bad about that snow report that I couldn’t bring myself to tell him what the weather was like in eastern Canada. 

It was 9:30 in the morning and the sun was shining in my window. It was 24°C outside, but felt closer to 30° with the humidity. I had the air conditioner on in my office.

Then he told me it would probably get up to 6 or 7° that day. I just couldn’t rub it in.

I felt for a moment like I was in Florida and it was the middle of February or something. I almost mistook the evergreen tree out my window for a palm tree.

The contrast was just way too much for me to say anything. 

Besides, it’s September and the cold weather will be coming to us soon enough. I just didn’t want to jinx what we were experiencing here in Kingston.

Yes, I know that sounds superstitious, and I know there is nothing to it. 

… But when my hockey team is winning 3-0 near the end of the game, I don’t say the word “shutout” until the game is over … I’m just say’n.

It’s not like I turn my ball cap around backwards, or flip up the brim when my baseball team starts a comeback. 

… Oh wait, I have done that … never mind.

Relax, I really do know there is nothing to all that.

It was still impossible to avoid comparing my region’s temperature with his.

The contrast in weather in different parts of the country only really makes a difference when you know someone in that part of the country. Then you compare. 

I compare the weather I’m experiencing in Kingston to what my son and daughter are experiencing in Toronto. 

And I do the same with Lily’s family in Ottawa. 

I even compare the weather when I’m at our cottage with the weather back home in Kingston. 

I always feel better when it is nicer where I am than in another region. But that doesn’t mean I have to gloat or make someone feel bad for experiencing poorer weather than me. 

I don’t have to verbalized a comparison of the contrast. They might be perfectly fine with the weather they are experiencing. 

I could tell my friend was embracing his weather. And that was another good reason for me not to burst his bubble with my +19° difference.

It’s all good.

Here’s the thing: It’s almost impossible to not make a comparison of contrasts. And if the contrast has to do with a spiritual condition, there’s often an immediate and natural reaction of feeling better than them. But remember, if it wasn’t for Christ in your life, you would be where they are. Let that thought stop you from comparing and cause you to put yourself in their shoes. After all, you’ve been there. Then respond to them without comparing. 

That’s Life!

Paul

Question: What have you been comparing lately? Leave your comments below.