Comparison is a Thief

It’s been a bit since I’ve written anything here. Life has been full, and my time has been spent in other places; teaching, coaching, parenting, navigating the everyday swirl of schedules and responsibilities. And honestly, I haven’t always known what to talk about. I’ve opened this page more times than I can count, typed a few sentences, and closed it again. Not because I didn’t have anything to say, but because I wasn’t sure how to say what’s been sitting with me.

Lately, one thing has been showing up in my mind more than anything else: comparison.

In fatherhood, I sometimes catch myself looking around at what others are doing; the vacations, the big career moves, the picture-perfect family photos, and I start to compare. I find myself wondering, Why hasn’t that happened for me yet? Why can’t I seem to do that? What am I doing wrong?

It’s a trap that sneaks in quietly, usually when I’m tired or overwhelmed. And when it does, it pulls my focus away from what really matters: my kids, my family, my own journey. The truth is, none of us are on the same timeline. What works for someone else might not be meant for me, at least not right now.

But when I give myself a moment to step back, I remember that fatherhood isn’t about keeping up; it’s about showing up. Showing up in the small, unfiltered moments: the laughter around the dinner table, the late-night conversations, the hugs before bed, the car rides filled with music and questions and chaos. It’s about being present, even when life feels messy or uncertain.

And when I look at it that way, I realize I already have the most important things I could ever ask for. This season of life, imperfect, busy, loud, exhausting, meaningful, is ours. And that’s more than enough.