(A repost...since it's still winter in KS! But something that's been on my mind.)
The other day when I was out mowing, I noticed that part of our yard was a lot greener than the rest (no surprise there since our house is basically out in the middle of what used to be a milo field, so much of our yard still yields to weeds). I started thinking about the old saying, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence." What usually follows is the premise that once you climb over the division between your yard and your neighbor's, you find that it's really no different.
But it is. Life is hardly fair. There are people who have elaborate sprinkler systems and special gardeners who cultivate their lawns with the latest in agricultural technology...and the results are beautiful. Others struggle with Bermuda grass that creeps into flowerbeds, threatening to choke out the lovely things you've planted, and weeds that sprout up in the most undesirable places.
There will always be someone who has greener grass. And there will always be weeds that if left unattended, will overtake the progress that we've made or wish to make. We can be wistful and stand back, viewing other's loveliness and wishing for what they have. Or we can tackle the weeds in our own yard, work in the soil and deal with the sweat and dirt to make our corner of the world as beautiful as it can be.
Sometimes we are given the perfect spot to cultivate our life. The rains come at the most opportune time, the soil is dark and rich and perfect for planting. Others help us till the land and the fruit is plenty. Other times we are plunked down in the middle of a weedpatch during a drought and given a rusty shovel and gloves with holes. We don't always choose our circumstances, but I believe that 90% of life is what we choose to do with what we've been given.
There will always be "greener grass". But chances are that somewhere, someone is looking over the fence into your backyard and wishing they could climb over. Bloom where you are planted. Brighten the corner where you are. Think "Green".
13 comments:
I like the metaphor and the illustrations that collectively come from the body of your writitngs.
Thanks, Lance. I appreciate it. I'm enjoying your writing as well and could comment on just about everything....but fear it would get old to have my face and words pop up each time you read your comments!
nice repost. hope your rest of the week is a postive one.
Very nice! This also reminds me of the parable of the seeds that are tossed, where they fall, and how they grow.
Funny timing, as I've been trying to decide for a week whether I really want to reseed part of mine and fertilize it knowing that I'm working every other Saturday all summer, and the ones when I'm not are my wife's work weekends...
I'm going to grow wherever I'm planted, but how much time do I want to spend mowing...hmmmmm!
:o)
alan
Absolutely lovely. You know I believe that it is true that sometimes the grass is greener on the other side but what you learn through trial and error, is that sometimes greener doesn't always = happier. Sometimes the brownest darn grass on the planet can make you smile broader than the most cultivated land.
Wow Lori, I really love it when your post gives us so much to think about! Sometimes we long for things that seem better and yet when we acquire them nothing really changes. Thanks for the thought provoking words.
BTW, what happened to your other post, did you delete it?
I remember this post from last year. I am surprised I did not comment. I think I was new to the blog world and a little "green" myself.
I know this sounds strange Lori, but I have been missing you!!
Mellissa
My dad is the eternal optimist. He always says, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." This works for most things... except that lemon of a first car he bought me. I tried and tried but just couldn't get any lemonade at all! :)
Bonnie - though we've had a mild winter thus far, I'm still ready for spring! (Though not for the mowing!)
Mikester - thanks, buddy. It's starting out a lot better, though busy beyond words.
Cheryl - exactly. I always love your comments. Thanks for sticking with me!
Alan - I'm with you on the mowing part! We have 5 acres and though it can be a nice respite from housework, it can be a bit much at times!
networkchic - you are so right. My mom always says that poor people are more interesting and happier in ways! Brown is sometimes the loveliest of colors!
Martie - yes, I deleted that post. It just came across as whiney and negative, two things I don't want represented on my blog. It was a really rotten week, but it's behind me now. Thanks for caring, though!
Mel - it doesn't sound strange at all. I am just a phone call or email away. Would love to hear from you anytime! I've been so crazily busy, I hardly know what end is up. But as soon as things calm down a bit I'll be back to posting more regularly. Missing you back! :-)
srp - sometimes I think it's ok to accept a lemon for exactly what it is...get as much out of it as we can, then pitch the rest into the compost!
Your post reminded me of a write up I have in my draft box titled "The Myth of the Greener Grass". Maybe I'll have to dredge that back up.
Great post, Lori. Well summed up with a positive advice: "Bloom where you are planted"
Yes, like plants placed in a garden, strive to grow in love in our family, work-place, church communities, etc. thus bringing contentment and joy to oneself and others.
GREAT post. Bloom where you are planted, absolutely.
You are such a great Mom, Lori. (from what I can tell by blogging! hahaha) and I'm so touched that I see hints of you within my own parenting techniques.
Tonight, since my husband isn't home - I was telling my son a story, a ritual my husband usually does because his imagination far exceeds mine - that's why I'm the song singer! Anyway - the story I told was about Danny the Dolphin who always wanted to be a person...and the moral of the story was that Danny at the end realized that while it's good to admire other creatures and people, it's most important to cherish who he was and feel happy about being a dolphin.
So very true... The grass will always be greener. The Jones' will always be a step ahead. You just have to embrace who you are....feel good in your own skin, and accept the things which you can not change - nor should you change.
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