I was enjoying a cup of coffee and watching the kids run around the yard recently. All of a sudden a section in our yard caught my attention. It appeared as if one part of the grass was "greener" than the other. I say, "appeared," because it wasn't actually greener. The reality was that one section had the sun beating on it while the other section had trees providing shade and causing a deeper, richer, "greener" look. It caused me to think.
Another section in our yard caught my attention later in the day. This section was not necessarily "greener,” but seemed it wasn’t as dense as the rest of the lawn. It was a small patch in which the grass had almost died during a time that not enough water or sun had been getting to it. The patch had been reseeded and was in what I like to call "baby grass" stage. During that time, the grass requires more watering than normal and is a bit lighter shade of green, yet, still green. It caused me to think.
I couldn't help but ponder that we often do that in our lives. We often find ourselves enjoying the beauty of God's creation all around us, taking it all in only to start noticing what would appear to be a "greener grass" in someone else's life. Especially during seasons in which we allow the busyness of life to get in the way of our water source and sunshine, quiet time with Jesus and remaining in Him. It reminded me of the famous saying, "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence". It caused me to think.
Not long ago I found myself in the middle of one of those busy seasons. Even though it was a lot of really "good busy", I was reminded that there is a difference between a busy life and the fullness that comes from living the abundant life that Jesus offers us in John 10:10. Being a "doer" by nature, I am constantly reminded that we were never meant to compare our shade of green to someone else's. We are supposed to be our own shade of green. I recently read a cute sign at a store that said, "Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle". I like it! I get it! But better yet, let's just not compare at all. Let's just be His and for His glory. With all this thinking, I found my way to my notes in John 15:1-11:
The grass is only greener where it gets watered. Remain in Him.
When we remain in Him, we don't have to worry about what shade of green our grass should be, or the expectations put on us by ourselves or others. We are HIS and for His glory alone. When we do that, remain in Him, we bear His fruit.
When we remain in Him, and HIS Word remains in us, He gives us the desires of our hearts because they are His desires for us.
When we remain in Him, His joy becomes ours and we find fulfillment and peace in spite of what the circumstances in our lives may be.
When we remain in Him, and His Word remains in us, the world will see that we are His disciples...because we remained in Him. When we do this, the Father is glorified in our lives.
I pray that we would choose to live lives that remain in Him and encourage one another. In doing so, may we be the best display for His glory:)