The green grass in someone else's yard really doesn't matter.....

Somehow, this entire week I seem to have been parked in this idea.  There has been one reminder after another that satan just loves to get us to look at other people and decide that they have it so much better than we do.  Nothing starts a "pity party" faster than feeling like your life, your situation, your family, your job....whatever it is... just doesn't measure up to someone else.  And it is oh so easy to look at a friend, a neighbor, or even someone you don't know and ASSUME that they have the perfect life.  I guess I have lived long enough to know that things are not always as great as what it might look like on the surface.  As a matter of fact, that green grass that you are looking at might actually just be some really dead, dry stubble that has been spray painted green to look good!

Let me assure you that I am not just pointing a finger at others, I certainly have caught myself coming under this same attack.  I am very thankful that I am growing and learning.  Because of that, I don't park in these feelings or have a giant pity party.  I can identify what is happening and stop it before it takes over.

It is interesting how this same jealousy issue comes up between siblings.  I think it is the root of "sibling rivalry".  And it doesn't end with childhood.  Even adult brothers and sisters seem to fall into this "grass is always greener" stuff.  Gwen was telling me that the big excitement in their house was that Ellie got a new bed!  So of course Zeke was wondering where HIS new bed was.  You can be sure that when the time comes, Zeke will get a new bed.  But for right now, it is hard to wait.  It is so easy to compare yourself to those you were raised with.  To expect to have the same level of achievement, to reach the same milestones, and have all of the same "toys".  Isn't satan tricky to even bring this discontent into families?  Let's pray against this attack on our families.

I loved this picture.  It is a reminder that it is good to look at what you have and to come to a place of being content in your heart.  Isn't it true that sometimes it is good to be a bit different than everyone else?  Our culture makes it so hard to be content.  There are reminders around every corner, on every web site, at every store, that somehow we should have more or better EVERYTHING.  And at the bottom of it all, is the thought that YOU are not enough.  Not good enough, not smart enough, and not able to achieve some imaginary level.  Clearly this problem is not new to us.... the Bible has some pretty clear words......

"But godliness with contentment is great gain"   1 Timothy 6:6 

"Lord, my heart is meek before you.  I don't consider myself better than others.  

I'm content to not pursue matters that are over my head.  I am your resting child 

and I am content in You." Psalm 131:1,2a 

"The fear of the Lord leads to life, then one rests content, untouched by trouble" Proverbs 19:23

These are just a few verses and there are more.  Paul talked about being content in whatever situation he found himself.  In good times or bad, he was content.  

So I have been reminded and will set about putting this into action. Lets all spend more time looking at all that we HAVE in our life rather than wishing we had what someone else has.  Make a list of all that is good and special and YOU and then celebrate it!  Appreciate the color of your own yard!

Jesus, thank you for this very important reminder to be content.  Holy Spirit, give us all eyes to see what is special about our own life so that we can celebrate who you have made us to be.  Jesus, thank you for making us all different in your image.  You are an amazing God that makes that statement POSSIBLE! Amen