This put her in a different perspective. She wore green clothes, green necklace, and when she became envy of something/someone, she literally turned green!(The wicked witch of the west in the wizard of oz was also green, I know. But I never thought of it this way before) The wicked witch was green with envy.
Did your neighbors come home with a brand new vehicle? All shiny and sparkly and nothing at all wrong with it? While your 11 year old vehicle sits in the drive way with a rust spot, stained seats, air that doesn't work right, windows that don't roll down any more? And any number of issues that you haven't even noticed yet? Did you feel that tiny spark of envy when they showed it off to you? All happy and excited over it?
Did a friend on facebook just buy a new house. A house way too big for their family, but it would be perfect for your family? A house that is clean, new, with no leaking pipes, no floors messing up, no marks on all the walls from children?
Did a friend get a new washer and dryer set and brag about it to you? While your washer or dryer isn't working, or is so old you can't even remember when you bought it?
Did a family member announce something that you want? A new engagement, promotion, baby, etc.?
Anything can spark envy. It's so easy. Friends that don't have children and get to go out on the weekends and just do whatever they want? While you are at home, doing dishes, putting kids in bed, and fighting to stay up past 10pm. Someone bragging about their baby sleeping all night, and you sigh because none of yours sleep all night just yet.
Take a breather. Look around. Your car may not be brand new. But maybe it is paid off. Maybe it's exactly what you need for your family. And at least you have a vehicle, may not be the best but it gets the job done. And the house that you aren't so proud of anymore? It holds memories. Bringing your baby home. Babies first steps, the Christmas's spent there, the other holidays and letting the kids help decorate. It's your home. Your walls to paint, your leak to fix, and at least your children always have a safe place to come home to. Friends new washer and dryer? Bet they paid a pretty penny for them. Those sitting in your laundry room are more then likely paid off. (If not, you probably didn't pay as much as they are.) And if its the washer thats broken, google. I have found ways to wash clothes in the sink and bathtub! And if it's the dryer? Easy. Hang your clothes outside to dry. Too cold? Around your house. (Mine has been broken since Jan. of this year. It's now April. I'm used to not having one finally!) That big announcement? Your time will come. Be patient. Pray.
I'm writing this for my self. There are so many things that can make you envy. Someone else who is skinny after having children. Someone going on vacation. A new car, house, baby, pet. We all have bouts with envy. But how we handle it is more important. Remember what you have. Remember what God has blessed you with. And pray to be happy for the other people. Don't become the wicked witch of the west, green with envy.
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