I think the "momosphere", as the mom-blogging world is sometimes called, is a lovely place. It's a fantastic way for women to connect and gain ideas and encouragement. It's an especially sweet tool for moms of preschoolers. That is a precious stage of life, but it's an isolating one. As we peek into each other's homes via our blogs, we get a glimpse of women who are struggling with the same things we are. We can urge each other on to be better, to try harder, and this is mostly a beautiful thing.
Mostly.
But I think it can also lead us down the well-traveled road of comparing ourselves to other women. I've walked that road myself. A lot. Considering that each woman is facing unique challenges, unique life situations, unique marriages, unique socio-economic issues, etc., comparing yourself to another woman leads only to heartache and frustration.
We're not the same.
And the momosphere, for all the good it does, makes it easy to fall into the trap of wondering why we can't do such-and-such the way so-and-so does it. We peek into each other's homes without knowing the whole story. Despite how it sometimes feels, reading a woman's blog is NOT an extended look at every detail of her life. It's a brief glimpse. Even those of us who value transparency in our blogging couldn't possibly share every detail, every struggle, every sin that sometimes knocks it down. It wouldn't be practical or wise.
Take blogging for what it actually is: a brief glimpse. Say it again with me: It's just a brief glimpse. Know that there are factors at play in that blogger's life you will probably never now. Some have husbands with flexible and helpful schedules, others have husbands who are gone for days or weeks on end. Some women don't have husbands at all. Some women have unusually high energy levels, others simply do not (and that's a biggie--don't discount it). Some women have children in school for hours a day, others are educating their kids themselves. Some have a great deal of financial freedom, while others are struggling.
And I do not mean to say that it's acceptable to make excuses for areas where we need to improve. We should all be seeking excellence in every area of our lives. But excellence will look different in each woman, based on her own abilities and challenges and calling.
So if you're reading a blog--any blog--and you're feeling you don't measure up, then pause for a deep breath. That particular blogger may seem to have the world at her feet, but those feet may be covered in blisters. Love her, send her your best wishes, and learn what you can from the things she's doing well. But know that ultimately you are accountable not to the blogosphere, but to the people you love best, and your God.
