What Makes My Kids Cry Today

Recently, two of my boys went to a classmate’s birthday party.

They came home smiling, laughing… and holding balloons.

One of their brothers saw the balloons the minute they walked in the door… and immediately started crying.

Not because he hates balloons.

Not because they were loud or scary.

But because HE didn’t get one.

He didn’t go to the party.

It wasn’t his birthday.

But in his mind, all he could focus on was this:

“They got something… and I didn’t. That’s not fair.”

And as I was comforting him (and trying not to laugh)… it hit me.

We do the exact same thing with God.

We Don’t Cry Over Balloons… But We Cry Over Blessings

We grow up, but our hearts often respond the same way.

We see someone else get:

An opportunity A new house A relationship A promotion A breakthrough A dream fulfilled

And deep down, something in us says:

“God, why not ME?”

We may not throw ourselves on the floor like a toddler…

But comparison still lives deep in our hearts.

Comparison Says: “I Want What They Have”

Just like my son didn’t care that it wasn’t his birthday, we forget that God writes different stories on different timelines.

We start to think:

“They’re ahead of me.” “I’m being overlooked.” “God must love them more.” “Maybe I missed my chance.”

But that’s not how God works.

Someone else’s blessing is not a threat to you.

God has MORE than enough to go around.

Their Balloon Doesn’t Cancel Yours

Think about birthday parties…

If one child gets a birthday cake, do we say,

“Well, no more birthday cakes for anyone else ever again!”?

Of course not!

Why?

Because everyone gets a turn.

It just wasn’t his turn YET.

And the same is true with God.

Just because He is blessing someone else right now…

Doesn’t mean He won’t bless you.

Doesn’t mean He forgot you.

Doesn’t mean your turn is canceled.

It might just not be your “birthday” (your season) yet.

The Prodigal Son’s Older Brother: A Grown-Up Balloon Moment

Luke 15 tells the story of the Prodigal Son.

But we don’t talk about the older brother enough.

When the prodigal came home and the father threw a party, the older brother got angry.

He basically said:

“You never did that for ME!”

He couldn’t celebrate because he was comparing.

He felt overlooked… forgotten… left out.

But listen to what the father told him:

“My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.”

WOW.

While the older brother was busy comparing,

He missed the blessings that were already his.

Comparison Blinds Us to What We Already Have

When we fixate on someone else’s “balloon,” we stop noticing:

What God has already given us How He has already provided The season we’re currently in The miracles He’s already done

Comparison kills gratitude.

Gratitude kills comparison.

Timing Matters: It Might Not Be Your Season… Yet

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says…

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”

Just like we don’t celebrate every child’s birthday on the same day…

God doesn’t give everyone the same blessing at the same time.

Why?

Because each story is unique.

Each calling is different.

Each journey is personal.

And each timeline is intentional.

God is never late.

God never forgets.

God is preparing you.

What If God Is Still “Preparing Your Balloon”?

What if your blessing is still being blown up?

What if your opportunity is still being shaped?

What if your breakthrough is still being positioned?

What if the wait isn’t punishment—

It’s preparation?

God’s timing isn’t just about the blessing.

It’s about making sure YOU are ready to carry it.

When Someone Else Gets the Balloon…

Here’s the truth I had to learn:

It’s okay for someone else to get blessed first.

Their turn is not your rejection.

Their celebration is not your loss.

Their season does not mean yours is over.

It simply means God is working differently in each of us.

Your Turn Is Coming

Just like birthdays…

Everyone gets a turn.

If God has you in a season of waiting, it’s not because He forgot you.

It’s because He loves you too much to give you something at the wrong time.

You are not behind.

You are not overlooked.

You are not disqualified.

You are not forgotten.

Your “balloon” is coming.

And when it does…

It will be worth the wait.

Prayer

Lord, thank You that You have a perfect plan and perfect timing for my life.

Help me to celebrate others without comparing myself.

Teach me to trust that my season is coming.

Give me eyes to see the blessings I already have right now.

I surrender my timeline and choose to trust Yours.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Final Encouragement

If you’re watching others be celebrated…

If it feels like everyone else is getting their balloon…

If you’re wondering, “God, what about me?”…

Please hear this:

Their turn doesn’t cancel yours.

Your story is still unfolding.

God is still working.

Your season is still coming. 💛