Don't Crop Out the Clutter

We all do it. We take a picture of our kids and crop out the mess around them. We use filters, we choose flattering angles, we edit blemishes. It's become the norm in our society. But is it healthy? 

According to Psychology Today, "As an online community populated by peers, Facebook provides the ultimate environment for social comparison; and there is an innate human drive to evaluate and define the self through comparisons with others."

This comparison is linked to anxiety and it's cutting us to the quick. As a mother of two, my allocation of resources has shifted DRAMATICALLY. I used to spend 30 minutes on my hair, now I spend 10 if I'm lucky (I legit pray that ponytails never go out of style). Cleaning my house feels more like Groundhogs Day. Our money is spent on clothes that will last my kiddos one season while my clothes are so old they're finally coming back in style. Sleep is a luxury, the gym is on my weekly wish list, and showers, well, they've become a necessity due to the need not to stink as opposed to a relaxing start to my morning.

BUT if you peek at my social media, you'd think life's been a breeze. Messy house? Crop out the clutter. Messy hair? Add a filter. Weight gain? Adjust the angle. We all hide don't we? We want so badly for everyone to think that we've got it all together that we crop, filter, alter and edit our real lives to death until they are no longer recognizable. 

While it's no sin to desire a beautiful picture of ourselves or our happy moments, I think it's important that we also have a healthy view of reality and stop hiding it from those around us. It's exhausting! Keeping up with societal expectations, fearing for others to know that we don't achieve perfection on a daily basis - this all drains us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We are no longer content with what we have and we also put up an unintentional barrier to those around us. No one's going to confide in me if they think I can't relate. Isn't it at our weakest points that others seem to open up as well?

So let's try it. Be a little more 'you' and a little less edited. We are created in the image of God. He hasn't made a mistake when it comes to our appearances, our talents, and our paths in life. Let's trust that His purpose for each of us is perfect and that we can use all that we are to be a blessing to those who may only feel comfortable relating to a fellow hot mess.