Foot Race

 I am a a jogger and used to race to try and beat other people.  Sometimes in my spiritual practice I act like the ole runner.  Am I doing better than so and so.  But spiritual growth is not about compare and contrast.  I am not in a race to prove I am better than someone else.  When I do an examination of conscience at night before bed, I don’t compare and contrast.  I don’t say, “Well at least I am not as bad as so and so.”  Not much improvement there.  And a lot of false pride.  Sitting in a church pew or room with others I try not to look around to compare and contrast.