3 Ways To Find the Green In Our Own Grass
3 Ways To Find the Green In Our Own Grass
Sometimes it’s hard not to think the grass is greener on everyone else’s side of the fence. Some people dream of a quiet morning with hot coffee while their reality is a thousand questions and tiny grubby hands spilling their coffee before 6am. And some people dream of tiny grubby hands and spilled coffee while their reality is peace and quiet.
Wherever we are, in whatever season we’re in, there’s something about what we have right now that someone, somewhere, would love to have. Instead of hating our current season, how can we pursue contentment and see green in our grass?
1. We can pursue contentment by having an attitude of curiosity about our current season- what might God want to teach us in it?
My name means “God is my teacher”, and lately I’ve been pondering what it means for God to be our teacher. In an article he wrote for Desiring God, David Mathis paints a word picture for us on the idea of God as our teacher with what we already understand about teaching and learning. He says:
”…good teaching requires patience. Good teachers don’t issue the final exam on the first day of class. They begin where the students are, and don’t reject them, or demean them, or write them off for their ignorance of a subject they are yet to learn. Rather, they seek to inform them, and change them — to improve and move and advance them — through the work of teaching.”
We can pursue contentment by staying present and remembering to look for and ask what God might want to teach us in this season, however small it may seem. (Sometimes, I write it on my arm to remember to ask. “WDYWTTM? = What do You want to teach me?”)
I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give counsel. Psalm 32:8 CSB
2. We can pursue contentment by choosing to view rote work as worship.
A friend and I were talking recently about how sometimes, life starts to feel like Groundhog Day. Work, laundry, dishes, eat, sleep, do it all again. Then the despair and hopelessness starts to set in. The way out? Change our perspective to see the mundane as small acts of worship, with purpose and value. Clean laundry may not change the whole world, but there is value in the act of caring for our families and stewarding well the resources we have been given. If it’s the job God has given us to do, then we can do it, whatever “it” is, with a sense of joy and purpose.
Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 CSB
3. We can pursue contentment by finding simple joys and chasing tiny delights in the midst of the mundane.
Do you know any artists who are unhappy or disappointed when people enjoy and appreciate their work? I don’t. In a similar fashion, it stands to reason that God, as the master artist and creator of e.ver.y.thing, must find enjoyment and satisfaction when we take the time to experience and enjoy the things He’s created.
How can we do this? We can find small ways to engage our senses throughout the day. Intentionally take the extra few minutes to go somewhere scenic for a walk, to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Make a cup of hot tea and appreciate the warmth on our hands. Notice the pattern of the afternoon sun on the floor and feel it with our toes. And when we see and feel and taste and enjoy, we can wonder and worship and give thanks to the One who made it.
These days, a few ways I’m finding green in my grass is by slipping down to the beach for sunrise when I wake up too early and sneaking in a few last iced drinks (iced london fog, iced coffee) before fall sets in. How are you finding your green?
A health update:
I’m almost 3 months post-op from jaw surgery for cavitations, and my mouth seems to be healing well. I wish I could say it’s been transformative for my health, but sadly that has not been the case so far. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed, but I’m getting ample opportunities to practice what I preach, so that’s something I guess…
I’m listening to…
Podcasts:
→ Surrendering to God When You’re Holding On to Control - Jordan Lee Dooley/Tara Sun
→ Paul and the Thorn - Tim Keller
Music:
→ His Glory Alone II by KB
→ Grown Up Lullabies Playlist
I’m reading…
→ The Night Is Normal by Alicia Britt Chole rating: 5/5
→ Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar Dillard (audio version) rating: 5/5
→ Is the Bible Good for Women? by Wendy Alsup (audio version) rating: 4/5
→ Becoming Free Indeed by Jinger Duggar Vuolo (audio version) rating: 4/5
I’m watching…
→ When Calls the Heart Season 10
→ Petticoat Junction
I’m cooking…
Emma’s Pork Roast from the Mitford Cookbook
(except I cooked it in the oven, 325’F for about 4 hours)