No need for envy

Our neighbor laid sod last month, in this heat! Jim and I both remarked, “Look how green their grass is!”

Then we discussed how little rain we’ve had this season and admitted that they are watering their lawn a lot, while we haven’t watered at all. Hence, we have a yellow green yard like the rest of the neighborhood.  Yes, we had a moment of envy, but realized, we reap what we sow.

How often do we have a “the grass is greener over there” thought? 

We all do it.  We compare what we have to what others have and find ourselves lacking.  What we seldom stop to think about is the work, hardship, or diligence that probably went into that person’s “greener grass.”

Yes, there are those lucky few who were born with a silver spoon in their mouths; everything seems to go their way.  Even those people have to work to maintain what they have.  How many rich and/or famous people have squandered their resources using poor judgement?  Lots.

The rest of us have to work to get what we need or want.  Many times the person with the greener grass has learned the value of hard work, or patience, or maybe the recovery from hard knocks that life can throw at you.

Let’s not be envious, jealous, or angry about our neighbors “greener grass.”  Let’s rejoice with them for the things that are going good with them.  If you would like to have “greener grass,” go ahead and ask them how they achieved the thing you would like to achieve as well.  Chances are they’d be happy to share their knowledge with you.

If you happen to be the person with the greener grass,

share your knowledge when someone asks for assistance.  Even if all you did was lay sod and water it.  It could be the person you are talking to is going through a personal drought right now and knowing they can endure it with patience and, eventually, the relief will come, or they can get some help with their struggles, may be exactly what they need to hear. 

You just never know what people are going through until you talk with them.