Where to look when the grass is greener somewhere else

    We moved to Holyoke three years ago this past summer and one of the features we noticed right away were the pristine lawns. People take pride in a healthy and vibrant lawn. Every once in a while, I’m tempted to let the one brown spot that sneaks up in my lawn to drive me crazy, especially if no one else’s lawn is dried up near me. It sticks out! I’ll think: Wow, their grass sure is greener. What’s wrong with ours?
    How telling is this in our own lives when we just aren’t content with our current circumstances. The grass looks greener in someone else’s yard and we deceive ourselves into thinking God is neglecting us. Why do I have to struggle financially? Why won’t my children obey? Why does my friend’s husband know her needs better than mine? Why does everyone love their job but me?
    Why do I have to wait so long for God’s will? Will he ever fulfill my personal goals and dreams? How come everyone’s social media feeds are blemish-free, when my real life is full of blots?
    The list goes on, doesn’t it?
    
A longing for something better
    Someone else’s grass often looks greener when we dwell on the ache in our own soul for something different … better … life-giving. And somehow their life has made our shortcomings more obvious! Envy is a sickness in the soul and God knows it robs us of joy, peace, satisfaction and more.
    When my son John was 7, we were playing one day and he told me, “Mom, everything you see is a memory.”
    His words were so simple yet profound. If everything in front of us is eventually a memory, that prods me to truly savor it as best I can. If I don’t embrace the life God has given me, I’ll miss out on so many blessings — yes even when they feel like heavy burdens. I’ll miss out on what the Lord longs to teach me through my current struggles. I’ll waste precious time and those minutes then transform into a mere memory — never to be experienced again in the flesh but only in my mind and heart.

The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.