Is the Grass Really Greener?
The other day I spent some time rereading a journal of my trip with my husband to Ireland. One item struck me–a reference to a little sheep who kept hanging around the edge of the fence that lined the road between two plots of juicy green grass.
I watched him for quite some time and then suddenly he went for it. He managed to get himself (or herself) through the opening and across to the other swath of grass. I’m assuming he thought the grass was greener on the other side. He munched for awhile and them looked up and over at his buddies back where he came from and suddenly he wiggled through that fence and returned to the original pasture.
Photo courtesy of Sam Clark Unsplash.com
I couldn’t help think of how many times I, too, have wiggled my way out of one situation or relationship and into another because I believed the grass was greener ‘over there.’ Of course it wasn’t. It never is even when we are determined differently. That’s not saying that every situation or every relationship is equal or that there is never one that is better than another, but by and large the ‘grass is greener’ approach has never worked for me.
What I’ve realized in my life is that I don’t even have to think about that, or look for it, or consider it because ‘it’ is never about that situation or relationship. It’s always about ME. When I settle down, stop looking outside myself, and focus on God’s will and guidance, I find that I am perfectly content with the ‘grass’ I’ve been given. And if a change is called for, I can trust God to lead me to it. What a relief it is.
Maybe that little sheep learned the very same lesson and that’s why he returned to the place where he belonged and felt the most secure.
Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3
oh Karen, you have no idea how much I needed to hear this and also send to another who needed it too! So wise. Thank you. I love the picture of the little sheep returning to his buddies after wiggling through the fence to nibble. That’s what we need to do every time.
Thank you, Heidi. I always appreciate your encouragement.
Thanks, Karen. A good word for all of us to take to heart!
🙂
Thanks, Glenda. 😃
The picture of the sheep is so pretty and looks so sweet! They have the sweetest faces. I love a photo i received in an email of a little girl with a little lamb and they are kissing each other. SO precious. Just think, We are considered to be God’s sheep and we cannot imagine how much He loves us.Yes, sometimes the grass may look greener on the other side but it usually is not! I think I better just be happy where I am!
Love you, Margaret
Me too, Margaret. I’m happy and content where I am.
Yes, it may seem the grass is greener on the other side. BUT, you still have to mow it. What ever is so delightful on the otherside of the fence isn’t free. There usually is a price to pay.
I praise my Lord and Savior the one constant in my life who keeps me from leaping over the fence. I am content with my life now because of Him.
A beautiful comment, Joan. So good to hear from you.
Amen… I too have strayed to the wrong pasture – thinking like your sheep. Now I’ve learned that the grass is greenest where I water it!
I like your comment, Patty–the grass is greenest where you water it. Amen.
“‘it’ is never about that situation or relationship. It’s always about ME. When I settle down, stop looking outside myself, and focus on God’s will and guidance, I find that I am perfectly content with the ‘grass’ I’ve been given. And if a change is called for, I can trust God to lead me to it.”
So well said Karen. Thanks, I needed that.
After just losing my Mother and reading this post, I realize I can’t just run to “greener pasture.” I must trust God to nurture and feed me where I am.
Thank you for these words.
BRC
Thank you, Beth. I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I know you were expecting it but how difficult it must be to accept the reality. May the God of all comfort, comfort you in ways you’ve never known before. 🙏❤️
Thank you Karen.
What a sweet memory, Karen. I have at times wished the grass was greener, but as you say, it’s about ME and my relationship with God and others. It’s about finding joy and contentment where I am because of the undergirding arms of my Lord and the love of family and friends. Thank you for this reminder!
Lovely words of encouragement, Carol. Thank you.
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