THE GRASS ISN'T ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE

Having greener grass, so to speak, doesn’t always satisfy. We’d do well to be content with all that the Lord gives us.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES           by Sally Bair

           

Greener Grass

When I lived in the country, my lawn was full of dandelions, some quack grass, and even thistles. Some of the grassy areas were greener than others, especially during one summer of drought. Others were flat-out anemic in color. Most of the time, I was quite content with my country lawn. But at times when I’d drive by other people's lawns, I wished mine were as lush

and uniform as theirs.

Some lawns could compete easily with those pictured in popular lawn and garden magazines. They're that perfect and beautiful, as are many other things we see. My friend's little girl once told her mother she wanted something their neighbor had. "Theirs is beautifuller than ours," she said. Let's get one like theirs."

It's easy to become discontent with our own lawns or belongings. That's probably the reason some of us try to "keep up with the Joneses." We want something bigger, better, beautifuller. There's nothing wrong in wanting a "beautifuller” lawn, as long as our motive does not come from envious discontent.

When I moved to another place, I did so not out of discontent or envy. This time, in fact, it was because I wanted a smaller house and yard. Something easier to keep up. Perhaps as we grow older, we realize the futility of living with something bigger, better, and yes, even beautifuller. I know I do.

Feelings of discontent can stem from the need to be accepted, especially if we have been deprived or rejected in the past. The key to contentment is to change our source of dependency from the things around us to Christ, the only One who can fulfill all our needs.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us not to store up for ourselves treasures on earth, which are eventually destroyed or stolen. Rather, we are to "store up … treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:20-21)

Lord, teach us how to be content. Give us the desire to depend on You alone, rather than on the things around us. Help us to seek after and rely on the treasures You have in store for us. In Jesus' name, amen.