I listened to a powerful reflection of today’s Gospel by Bible scholar Jeff Cavins on the Hallow app. In this scripture, the people who worked for a land owner all got paid the same daily wage, regardless of how long they worked. Those who worked all day long were upset about that, even though the amount they received was fair and was agreed upon. They felt like they should have received more as they compared themselves to those who worked less. In the reflection, Jeff Cavins talked about where we find our worth in today’s society. In our adolescence, we compared ourselves to others all the time as we tried to figure out who we were and where we fit in. However, as we grow older, we need to let go of those childish ways and stand on who we are as adults. Social media makes it all too easy to compare ourselves to everyone, which can leave us depressed and not seeing the truth for what it is. When we get caught up in the comparison trap, we never get on with our own lives. We loose out on the amazing gifts we have, our contribution to society, creative genius, and distinct way of contributing to the Kingdom of God. He gave steps to help get out of this vicious cycle: 1. Take time to list 10 things in your life that you wouldn’t give up for the world. 2. Thank God for the gifts you have. 3. In the areas that you feel inadequate, give them to God and proclaim that He is your adequacy. Ask Him for help instead of feeling depressed. 4. Cut your social media time in half and use that time to read scripture, pray, or serve others. 5. When you feel down by seeing what others are doing or receiving, pull out your list of 10 things you wouldn’t trade for the world and thank God. It was a thoughtful, true, hopeful reflection that stuck with me.

I Found God today reminded that my worth comes from Him.