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We could be thankful and water own grass
(by Christine Thome - November 17, 2010)
BEYOND MY CONTROL, BY CHRISTINE THOME
We could be thankful and water own grass
As the waiter turns the pepper mill over our salads or a friend adds cream to our coffee, they always ask, "Tell me when."
"That's good," we say as we hold up our hand to signal them to stop.
"That's enough! Thank you." We smile.
But when is enough really good enough? When are we truly thankful for enough of what we already have?
Who among us hasn't offered up words of prayer with the desperate hope that they will be answered? "Please let me land one more big client. Please let me find the money to pay off these bills. Please let me be able to buy that new car."
If we are lucky enough to turn those pleas into reality, we might be fulfilled for a short amount of time. But there's always one more client to land, one more bill to pay and one more item we must have. Our commercial-focused society almost demands that we must never be satisfied simply with what we have.
If we have a home that needs a paint job, has outdated appliances and furniture that has seen much better days, is it enough that we can afford the mortgage and taxes and have a roof over our family's head, or must we do better?
If we have a car that is far out of warranty, doesn't get the greatest gas mileage and will never be rid of the ketchup stains in the back-row seats, it is enough because we no longer have a car payment to worry about, or must we do better?
If we have a child who wants to go to college, yet an out-of-state school or a private university is much too expensive to afford, is it enough to send him or her to a local state school or community college we can afford, or must we do better?
Being happy with enough does not mean that you shouldn't strive to always continue to learn and improve your life. There's always room for improvement, but you'll be much happier in the long run if you seek to better your personal life, not your perceived life.
If the grass seems greener on the other side, maybe it's time to start watering your own grass.
When you watch with envy as a neighbor leaves several times a year for exotic family vacations, are you really wishing for the exotic destination or to spend more time with your family?
As you listen to a friend talk about watching football games with his son on his new theater-size television, are you envious of the television or that he and his son have a common activity they enjoy doing together?
If what you crave is more time to do the things you enjoy with the people you love, then start watering your grass with kindness, selflessness, and openness.
This Thanksgiving, as the turkey and sweet potatoes and stuffing make the second or third pass around the table, look at those seated at the table with you -- your parents, your spouse, your siblings, your children, your friends -- and say:
"I'm good!"
"I have more than enough."
"Thank you."
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