Where the Grass is Greener

We sat across from each other over coffee and crumpled, crumby napkins, catching up.

She told me how long her evenings had been with her hubby working extra hours.

I tried to feel compassionate but was mostly wondering how she could complain...after all she has three solid days of solitude every week. What I wouldn't give for that!  I'm certain if I had 21 blessed hours of peace and quiet I could leap over tall buildings in a single bound.

I felt horrible immediately.  If we had to pick challenges, I'd keep mine over hers any day.  Yet there I was peering over the fence at her presumably greener grass.  Because we have that kind of friendship, I confessed.  She 'fessed up too.  Apparently she'd been thinking my grass was looking pretty sweet.

The seductive allure of that emerald green grass on the other side of the fence.

I heard a message last summer about longing for your neighbor's greener grass, and how our own would be greener if we'd take care of the weeds.  My head assented to the sound logic, but my heart was heavy.  I know better than anyone else just how weedy my lawn is and how hard I've worked to eradicate all the nasties.  How many times I've been certain that I finally annihilated one only to find it as hardy as a wretched dandelion.  Exhausting.

There is, however, a place where the grass is green beyond my wildest dreams.

This green meadow is not of my own making.  It's a place discovered while following the Shepherd.

When I follow Him I have everything I need.  He lets me rest in those green meadows.  There He renews my strength.

He leads me in the paths of righteousness.  He wants to.  He's a shepherd.  He leads me into righteousness--it's not the result of my own efforts.

The key to greener pastures is not in seeking weeds, but in seeking the Shepherd.  If you see a weed, by all means, ask the Shepherd how He wants you to deal with it.  Otherwise, let's keep our eyes on the Shepherd and our ears tuned to His voice and follow.  If you feel lost, find His voice in a favorite Psalm or begin to worship, giving thanks in all things.  This will lead to pastures so green you'll never long for the turf on the other side of the fence again.

The Lord is my shepherd;

I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He guides me along right path,

bringing honour to his name.

My cup overflows with blessings.

Psalm 23:1-3, 5b NLT

Unusual Christmas

This Christmas hasn't been like any other Christmas I've ever experienced.  

It's not the first time we've been without extended family, but it was the first time in my entire life that we haven't had people other than our immediate family around the table.  I had sought out others who might want to join us, but it seemed everyone had somewhere to go.  When I realized this I felt undone.  The gathering together is as essential to me as the gifts and the carols.  We've always shared our table with others who were also without family or who would otherwise be alone.  

I felt bent.  Unreasonably bereft. Couldn't really look the thought in the face.  Finally had to.  Why was this so hard for me?  I'm not unaware that I have much to be thankful for...  

I have a friend who dreams of what it would be like to have a quiet Christmas.  As we talked at the Christmas Eve service about the challenges of our different situations, I found myself declaring adamantly, "Wherever we find ourselves, we need to find Him!  He will be with us--we need to be alert to His presence."

My kids were unsettled when they realized no one would be joining us at our table.   Turkey dinner was vetoed.  While they all watched a movie I sought inspiration in the kitchen...and it came.  

My Oma's biscuits, cut with the Christmas tree cookie cutter...

Locally made sausage and cheese.  Table set with a cloth gifted by a friend who is having her own unusual Christmas overseas this year.  Gingerale poured into crystal goblets and candles lit...

Everyone laughed with delight at our odd Christmas feast.  We held hands 'round the table and gave thanks.  I found Him there.  He is in us and we are in Him.

"I have told you these things

so that you will be filled with my joy.

Yes, your joy will overflow!"

~ Jesus

John 15