Envy

I was doing a little gospel study when I came across this quote by Elder Holland: 

“There are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those. … So be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live.”

Personally, I never struggle with envy. (Ha, ha.) I am never jealous, and I never have a hard time being happy for the successes of others. Nope, not me. I am as non-envious as they come. That is why I was studying the topic this morning -- to reaffirm that fact that I have this thing licked. It is not something I struggle with ever, because I am happy when I feel lame compared to others. 

You see, envy is bad. It seeps in so easily. And it is so very damaging. It steals your happiness, and your peace. So cut it out. (I'm talking to me.) 

Elder Holland compared envy with: “downing another quart of pickle juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment”. 

Nasty. 

Not sure why I felt compelled to share this today. But there it is. 

Maybe I am not alone in my struggle with envy? Maybe I am! 

I guess I just need to remember that choking down "spiritual pickle juice" every time I compare myself to others is completely repulsive. 

It is, it really is. 

So, I gotta go. I am off to brush the pickle juice out of my mouth (and soul) right now. I would rather be happy. 

Pickle juice is disgusting.