Greener Pastures

“Happiness isn't something that depends on our surroundings...It's something we make inside ourselves.” Corrie Ten Boom

Just how happy are you with the place you are in right now? Are you always wishing for more or waiting to start living your life to the fullest before you are truly happy? I think that many of us think that there is always something better just around the corner; “if only I had so and so”, “if only I had a different job”, or “if only I had more money”, etc…the list goes on and on. We may even feel that we have missed opportunities and joys that can never be recovered. Often we fall short, and even if we arrive at a desired location, on arrival, we still feel that there is more. This is referred to as the “Greener Pasture Syndrome”; a feeling of deficiency, envy, and persistent desire. And if we feel we are not in the right place, we may find ourselves in a bottomless pit. It can seem like a lifelong task to find out where we really belong, and how we are going to reach that perfect place in our lives.

…happiness is just right around the corner…we are almost there but just need one more thing…

“God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:40)

The problem is that many times our happiness is based on the false idea that we are missing something, that we need something more. But God desires for us to walk in His plan; He has not left us by ourselves but has called for us to remain in that place where He has brought us. Now, I don’t think that this means we shouldn’t have goals or not want to do our best, but no matter where we have been or where we are right now, it’s all about being content and grounded with what we have and where He has us.  He wants us to be where we are right now because He has a purpose and when we walk in His will He will prosper us and make sure our needs are met. He has a plan for us to follow from this day forward that is absolutely perfect, and If God wants us where we are right now, there are no greener pastures!

"Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt of every situation you believe to be the will of God."--Jim Elliot

Even when things are looking bad, there are still so many positives in our lives, so instead of focusing on what our lives are missing, we have to be grateful for what we do have. We should never look back with regrets, or always be looking for greener grass on the other side. Preoccupation with previous mistakes or desires for more, more, more will only contribute to future failures. We can’t let the past deprive us of present blessings. We should follow the example of the Apostle Paul: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” (1 Peter 5:10)

Following  Charlotte and Joan on: