'Everyone in my class makes fun of my shoes.'

Everyone in my class makes fun of my shoes.'

I cringed.

My 9 year old daughter started a conversation with that out of the blue this morning.

"Why do they make fun of your shoes?" I was caught off guard. (she has $30 shoes from Target)

'They say they're cheap, and they have $100 and $200 shoes. This one boy has $900 shoes from Balenciaga, and he makes fun of my shoes the most.'

I thought this can't possibly be true, and there's likely some exaggeration. And...I felt a little anger in case it were true.

"So what do you think about that?" I asked my little girl who's always the tiniest in her class, but with an unmatched ferocity - especially in the defense of her family.

'He said his dad bought him the shoes, and that they have a $2 million dollar house with a theater inside, and all this other stuff.'

'But I think he might be lonely.'

"Why do you think that?" We've talked about this kind of thing before, but it's hard to know if they're listening sometimes. 😀

'Well, he only talks about how his dad buys him really expensive things, or how much money his dad makes.'

'But I have everything I need, and I like my shoes. Plus, you coach all my teams, you write me a note every day, you play with us all the time, you cook us breakfast every morning, and you do Bible stories and songs with us every night. Maybe his dad doesn't do that, and that's why he talks about his shoes and makes fun of mine.' 💗

I know nothing about this other child's family. His dad might make a lot of money AND be present for his children.

But I do know my daughter values relationships over money.

I've made too many mistakes to count while raising my 4 kids, and I need constant reminders that chasing the hearts of my wife and children is more important than chasing money or status.

Comparison truly is the thief of joy...even for 9 year olds. I'm glad she finds joy in the things she has.

If you need reminders too, let this story be yours today. 🙂