Recently, I was scrolling on my phone and came across the social media account of someone I used to follow years ago. They are in a similar niche as me and back when I followed them, they had a lot fewer followers than me.
But in the last few years, their account has clearly blown up and they had hundreds of thousands more followers than me. Plus, as I was scrolling through their account, I saw that they had super high engagement numbers and interaction.
Instead of being immediately excited for them, I confess I started thinking about how I’m really dropping the ball in being strategic and creative in what I’m posting & that I need to step up my game so I can be growing more online and seeing more engagement like this other person.
And then it hit me: God has called me to be building into and growing other things the past few years — my home, growing as a person, nurturing and loving on the people in my home (and even growing tiny humans!)
I might not have seen a huge increase in followers the past few years, but I’ve spent hours and hours rocking little babies and speaking life to them… and that is very important work.
I might not have seen the crazy engagement numbers that other people have, but I’ve spent the last few years building deep relationships with my older kids and loving two birth mamas and their babies… and that is very important work.
The work that God has called me to right now might not be measurable in numbers that society and experts would consider important (such as accolades, income, awards, product sales, follower count, etc.)… but it matters far more than any of those measurable numbers.
No matter what we’re doing (or not doing), it’s easy to look around and compare our lives to others.
But God hasn’t called you or me to her life. He’s called us to our life.
We’re not supposed to do what she’s doing. We’re called to be faithful where God has us — even if no one sees or notices or thanks us. He sees. He notices. That’s what matters.
All the awards and applause and accolades, all the numbers and name recognition, all the income and opportunities in the world… they don’t hold a candle to faithfulness.
In this week’s episode of The Crystal Paine Show, I share more about some of the lessons I’m learning when it comes to comparison, success, and faithfulness. Jesse and also share about books we’re reading, a Spotify playlist I’ve been loving, and a meal-service we’ve been loving.
Powered by RedCircle
In This Episode
[00:34] – Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.
[01:15] – We talk about books we’re reading and one I recently read that I just don’t know what I think of it.
[06:44] – A Spotify playlist I recently put together with Truths to Remember.
[09:30] – Switching to Spotify and listening to podcasts has freed up a lot of Jesse’s phone space.
[10:17] – Jesse shares about a meal service he’s been enjoying.
[16:13] – My experience with comparison.
[17:58] – I should have been excited and celebrating this person’s success, instead I went to a negative space.
[20:43] – It was just such a reminder to me that no matter what we’re doing, or not doing, it’s easy to look around and compare our lives to others.
[22:30] – A seemingly small thing done in love, faithfulness, and consistency — it’s not small!
Links & Resources
- Books
- The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight For Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear by Kate Moore
- The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women by Kate Moore
- Total Power by Vince Flynn
- Special Mentions
- Truths to Remember, Spotify Playlist
- Eat to Evolve, meal plans (use coupon code MSM to save 20% off your first order)
- Libby/Overdrive, free public library app
- Other Links
- Love-Centered Parenting
- 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
- Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
- MoneySavingMom.com
- My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
- Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com
Sponsor Spotlight: Twigby
Do you wish you could pay less for your phone service? Wishing you could figure out how to get access to great service/coverage without having to break the bank?
I highly recommend checking out Twigby!
Twigby is a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices and they are the perfect option for budget conscious families because they are so affordable! They also offer great coverage from the nation’s largest and most reliable network (yep — Verizon!) and have many different options for phone plans.
Twigby has plans starting as low as $9 per month for just talk and text. And data plans start as low as $20 per month (with unlimited talk & text)! Even a cell phone plan with unlimited talk and text and 10 GB of data only costs you $35 per month — which is a lot less than you’ll usually pay!
With these kinds of prices, it’s worth checking to see if Twigby might save you money each month on your family cell phone bill — even if you’ve been on a family plan with a provider for a decade!
Get this: The average family that switches to Twigby saves $80 on their cell phone bill, which equates to an annual savings of $960! See how much you could save with Twigby’s handy dandy calculator (click on “compare us” up top!)
Want to give Twigby a try? If so, you’ll currently save 50% off your first six months of phone service! Wow!!
But that’s not all! On top of this already amazing Twigby discount, our readers can also get a $15 credit when you use code FAMILY at checkout during sign-up!
Note: This $15 credit will be applied to your account when you purchase a new phone, get a free SIM card from Twigby with a new service, or bring your own phone to use.
Valid through March 31, 2022.
(And if you’re not completely satisfied within 30 days of activating your service, you’ll get a full refund!)
lizajane says
Your most important followers live in your house!
Crystal Paine says
Truth!
Charlotte W. says
Such a needed post for all mothers and wives. Thanks for sharing wise words.
Crystal Paine says
Thanks for your encouragement!
Gail M. says
As I started to read this week’s info. I kept thinking that you have a lot of business in your own family, house and the people that live there. You, Crystal, are doing the right thing. Who cares how many followers so and so have, you have littles to care for. You have the big kids helping you and it is all good. When they are all grown up, then it is time for you to get involved in other things, hobbies that interest you. I am surprised you even have time to read a book. Visiting with a friend or two ….. is good to to have something else to enjoy . If you go out for lunch just don’t try cutting their meat for them. That is supposed to be funny.
Enjoy the day and your job.
Cheers
Gail M. says
Sorry that is just how I think. I am old school.
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for your kind words of encouragement!
Beth says
Yes!! We need to be speaking to each other about how valuable we are in our roles as mothers. Society says you aren’t a valuable woman if you’re not putting your career first. Mothering is viewed as glorified maid service. In our desire for equality in the workplace we’ve lost sight of how important parenting is. I left a promising and financially very rewarding career because we felt God wants me to be a stay at home mom right now. I realize God doesn’t call everyone to that (some moms literally have no choice but to be the primary breadwinner). But we need to encourage each other and be proud of this role God has given us as mothers and not feel a little guilty or embarrassed that we’re not “keeping up” with a career.
Crystal Paine says
I’m so grateful for the gift of both being able to be home with my kids while being the primary breadwinner (what works best for our family right now). It’s not always easy (just like being a full-time stay-at-home mom or a work-outside-the-home mom isn’t easy, either!), but it’s so rewarding and I’m so humbly thankful!
And I’m so grateful that there is such a strong shift in mindset these days about how important motherhood is! It’s been so encouraging to see that happen over the last decade or so!
Heather Schlichter says
So glad you thought about the comparison trap! I read an article about this recently, and it really caused me to think.
1. No one posts about what isn’t going great for them, so even if thier life looks spectacular on social media, you never know what’s going on behind the scenes.
2. The only comparison that matters is where you are in your life. And it truly sounds like you have that figured out!
Crystal Paine says
Ha! I actually post a LOT of stuff that isn’t going great for me over on Instagram stories. Since that’s real-time posting, I try to keep it real and share that good and hard! 🙂
JJ says
“But God hasn’t called you or me to her life. He’s called us to our life.” Love, love, love this!!! I’ve followed your blog since you were pregnant with Silas. 4 babies later it’s sweet to see how the Lord has worked! I so appreciate your heart and ministry online but also that you put your family first. Your book lists are the best. I’m not on social media, but I see your blog. You are doing an amazing job embracing the now and living the truth that motherhood is a calling and not a competition. Love how you strive to be the best you. Years ago I was so worked up trying to learn things I had no desire to learn but felt necessary even though it wasn’t. Your posts encouraged me to be ok with not doing things I didn’t enjoy. And to make room for what I did. It was a huge game changer. I so enjoy your podcast and Jesse’s perspective. Sometimes I feel like I’m listening to me and my husband. 🤣 All this to say, I am so thankful for you and your heart to love Jesus and to nudge others toward Him.
Crystal Paine says
I’m so humbly grateful! Thank you for your encouragement!!
Mackenzie Foust says
Love this!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you for your encouragement!