Did you know there is an actual Wikipedia definition for the phrase “Keeping up with the Joneses”?  Wikipedia defines “Keeping up with the Joneses” as an idiom in many parts of the English-speaking world referring to the comparison to one’s neighbor as a benchmark for social class or the accumulation of material goods. To fail to “keep up with the Joneses” is perceived as demonstrating socio-economic or cultural inferiority.  In my opinion, comparing ourselves to others is human nature.  In kindergarten, it’s “I can run faster than you.”  In junior high, it’s a duel for class elections, grades, sports and who “hits” puberty first.  In high school, it’s a popularity contest, ACT scores, cars, boyfriends, makeup and hair.  You get my point.

In the business of baseball, a player is compared to another player probably every single day.  There is no telling how many times S has been compared to another righty pitcher and critiquing his every move and pitch.  In this game, how am I suppose to get away from the comparisons of the world?  One of my favorite mentors and Bible study leaders we have had in the minors in High A Dunedin, FL and AA Manchester, NH, Gari Meachem, described comparison as something that deprives you of joy.  She also says that comparison will distract, destroy and defeat us.  In the game of baseball, it becomes a struggle to not compare your life or “baseball journey” to another couple or player.  You sit and think how do they have this and that and why does he go up and not me.  Comparison is something both men and women struggle with daily.

Gari’s first point on comparison is distraction.  Comparison will literally distract you from your own life and the special things that God has laid out for you.  I could sit and compare my life to wives in the big leagues, but I would miss out on so much happiness right where I am with S.  He is doing what he loves and at the end of the day thats enough for me.  I tend to think how many times have I been distracted by what another person looks like, their face, car, income or house instead of enjoying my own life.  How many of you are guilty of constantly scrolling through your Facebook looking at other people’s lives when your around family or other important events in your life?  I know I am!

The second point on comparison Gari mentions is it can destroy us.  I’m sure some people didn’t know this but everyday after the game, the manager and trainer have to send in a report to the affiliate front office.  For example, S’s manager and trainer have to send in a report everyday after the game to the Blue Jays front office.  Every player’s stats are literally compared to each other every single day, and in return, this determines our paycheck, traded or not, released or not, where we will live, taken off the 40 man or not.  If you let it, this lifestyle will literally crush and destroy you into tiny little pieces and it won’t be so merciless.  Any wife or player can sit around and compare their lives to the person right ahead of their position, but what a waste of time and effort when God has you right where he wants you and to just enjoy the journey.  I feel like I have truly embraced this philosophy this year by humbling myself to God and know His plan is greater.  I don’t want to miss out on my life in this crazy nomadic baseball lifestyle with S by comparing our lives to someone else’s.  Comparison will not destroy me and my joy!

Lastly, Gari says comparison will defeat us.  If we let it comparison will swoon in and defeat us completely.  This season I decided to conquer comparison and be done with it and its ridiculousness of trying to take away my joy.  Once you come to terms that baseball is a business and there’s nothing you can do about anything or the comparisons, you can then have a sense of peace and know your exactly where God intended.  Your comparisons might not be baseball maybe its a job, office gossip, dating or whatever it may be in your life do not let it steal your joy!

Galatians 6:4 – But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

Romans 12:2 – And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed my thoughts.

XOXO,

HC