Dear Friend,

Edna Mode from The Incredibles once said, “I never look back, darling, it distracts from the now.”

She had a good point, but I disagree with her.

When you look back, look at how far you’ve come. Look at the progress you’ve made, at how you’ve grown. Look over your shoulder at all that God has done in your life.

It’s the end of the school year for me over at The Company. I was a bit sad because it’s the end of my first year as an apprentice writer, but I’m also excited because I’ll be starting my second year in a few weeks.

This past couple of weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect over the year and see just how much I’ve grown as a writer and as a person. It was fascinating reading my writing from a year ago and understanding just how much better it is now.

It’s even more encouraging when people around you notice your growth. I was talking with my friend about how all of us apprentices have gotten more confident. She said, “You can hold eye contact when you have a conversation with me now.”

But the best part was realizing how much closer to God I’ve grown.

There’s this thing called “The Comparison Game.” It’s when you look at all the things other people are accomplishing and become jealous, resentful, or ashamed because you aren’t as far along as them.

Don’t play that game.

The only comparison you should make is between yourself and God, and your present self with your past self. Between you and God because only then can you have the proper perspective of yourself. And between your present self with your past self so that you can see the progress you’ve made.

How have you grown this past year? Share in the comments. I’d love to hear about it!

Sincerely,

R.J. Catlin