Traci

In the same way that we will never measure up to that super model, super mommy, super (fill in the blank), we will never measure up to someone else’s blog.

Someone will always have more followers, more comments, a better layout, super-spectacular vlogging techniques, better photography, etc. Get the point?

Where along the way did we fall into the trap of measuring the “popularity of a person” by the size of their blog?

When is enough, enough? When we get that new layout? When we’ve reached 300 followers? When we feel appreciated and heard? It’s never enough in life, right? There will always be someone thinner, prettier, smarter, and more efficient as a mom/wife/child of God (at least in our own eyes).

It’s not my job to measure myself against someone else. I will never be satisfied if that is the case! You will never be satisfied.

You are unique, special, and loved far beyond your wildest dreams by your Savior.

Let me repeat that, because it is so very important that you hear it.

You are unique, special, and loved far beyond your wildest dreams by your Savior.

He has called you to a special purpose. Are you a wife? Mom? Student? Grandma? Employee? Be diligent to do the very best with what God has equipped you with. That’s all He asks of us. And… He loves you no matter what (even when you fail miserably)!

Recently, a reader emailed me these GREAT questions:

Hi Traci,

I took a quick look through your blog, and you addressed something I’ve been wondering about. How DO women find the time to do a blog, plus the other kazillion (it’s my word, OK! He! He!) things we do and still have the balance? Any thoughts on that from a fellow Christian married blogger would be GREATLY appreciated.

If you don’t mind my asking, approx. how much time do you devote to your blog day/week? I’m trying to get an idea of what is “normal” for women with husband/children. I want to be put in adequate time to get a decent following, but not let it take over other things in my life.

Thanks much,

Sue

Hi Sue,

Ok, I think this is something all bloggers have to face at one point or another. I’ve had too… when it becomes too much and it is taking the place (joy/time/etc) of real life, it is time to take a step back and reevaluate things. Always ask the Lord to bless your blog if that is what He has called you to do… but not to bless it or even take it away if it becomes a “god” in your life. That way, you have asked the Lord to safeguard your blog 🙂 Also, our husbands and kids will give us an honest opinion. If all they see is us on the computer, then there is a problem.

In the beginning (when I first starting blogging in June of 2009), I was on the computer all the time. WAY TOO MUCH! Trying to keep up with all the other blogs, kind of in the way we try to measure up with other women. I did everything to gain a follower. I had good intentions, but also the flesh got in there.

Now, I’m really not on that much. I just devote time to writing a blog post as God leads, and visiting those who comment on my blog. If I do have a free block of time, (when kids are in bed or napping or husband is out) I’ll take an hour or so and just go visit other blogs and comment. I know what an encouragement it is to get a comment/follower, and I like to bless other women who have invested their time in blogging.

I think every family situation is different. Like I said, asking our husband is a great way to go! I would attempt to do what you need to do around the house (make a schedule) and also schedule some time in for blogging. Setting a timer is always a good idea… when it goes off, so does the computer.

Don’t get caught up with trying to measure up to other bloggers… there are so many out there and feeling like we are enough (or our blog is enough) will never be good enough. It’s just like our sinful desires… when is enough enough? Don’t get caught up in that (been there done that).

God has called you first and foremost to be a good wife and mother to your 3 1/2 year old. Feel free to ask me any other questions as they come up. I really appreciate you asking.

Love in Christ,
Traci

HOW TO SAFEGUARD YOUR BLOG

So let’s recap (because I’m a list-kinda-girl):

1. When blogging is taking away your joy and time, take a step back and reevaluate things. (Matthew 6:34: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.)

2. Are you constantly feeling inadequate by comparing your blog with others? Ask the Lord to give you contentment and purpose in what your blog is today. (Psalm 139:14: I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.)

3. Ask the Lord to bless your blog if that is what He has called you to do, but not to bless it (or even take it away) if it is becoming an idol in your life. Idols lie and leave you empty and lonely. Only God can fill the empty places in your life. (1 John 5:21: Little children, keep yourselves from idols.)

4. Ask the people closest to you what they think? Ask your husband and children. They will be sure to give you an honest answer.

5. Make a schedule for things you need to accomplish in your home/life. Put first things first. Just as you schedule time for cleaning/teaching your kids, schedule in time for blogging. (Luke 12:42: And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?)

6. If you are tempted to stay on the computer too long, set a timer! When it goes off, close your computer and move on with your life.

7. Remember your most important calling (if you are a mom/wife) is to be a godly wife and mother. (Titus 2:4-5: That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.)

8. Social media can never completely fill the voids in your life. We are all a work in progress, and the Lord is so faithful and gracious with us. Ask Him to satisfy your deepest longings instead of finding that satisfaction through self-approval and feedback from others. (Psalm 90:14: Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.)

Was this article helpful? Consider copying and sharing the link below:

https://www.tracimichele.com/2011/03/your-blog-will-never-measure-up/

Thanks for visiting!