Is The Grass Really Greener?

Have you ever sat there and wondered why everyone else has a bright shiny life and yours is always a big mess? Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and wondered why your house, your clothes, your kids, your life don’t measure up to the pretty pictures on everyone else’s accounts? No? Oh good. Me neither.

Except that I do it all the time.

Because the grass is always greener on the other side, isn’t it? And sometimes I can get caught up in comparing my grass to your grass. And then all of a sudden, I must have your grass. I am obsessed with your bright green, perfectly manicured lawn because mine is parched and full of weeds.

At this year’s IF:Gathering, Eugene Cho asked the audience if the grass is really greener on the other side, or if we just need to water the grass we’re standing on. Ouch.

See, when I’m spending all that time obsessing over your perfect life (which of course isn’t true, hello highlight reel), I’m neglecting the very gifts God has given me. When I worry about all the things I don’t have, I miss out on what I do have. When I’m thinking about what I wish would happen, I forget to be present for the miracles that are happening right under my nose.

So I’m going to pull on my work gloves, start ripping weeds, and take good care of this life I’ve been given.

See, when I'm spending all that time obsessing over your perfect life (which of course isn't true, hello highlight reel), I'm neglecting the very gifts God has given me. When I worry about all the things I don't have, I miss out on what I do have. When I'm thinking about what I wish would happen, I forget to be present for the miracles that are happening right under my nose.
See, when I'm spending all that time obsessing over your perfect life (which of course isn't true, hello highlight reel), I'm neglecting the very gifts God has given me. When I worry about all the things I don't have, I miss out on what I do have. When I'm thinking about what I wish would happen, I forget to be present for the miracles that are happening right under my nose.
See, when I'm spending all that time obsessing over your perfect life (which of course isn't true, hello highlight reel), I'm neglecting the very gifts God has given me. When I worry about all the things I don't have, I miss out on what I do have. When I'm thinking about what I wish would happen, I forget to be present for the miracles that are happening right under my nose.
See, when I'm spending all that time obsessing over your perfect life (which of course isn't true, hello highlight reel), I'm neglecting the very gifts God has given me. When I worry about all the things I don't have, I miss out on what I do have. When I'm thinking about what I wish would happen, I forget to be present for the miracles that are happening right under my nose.
See, when I'm spending all that time obsessing over your perfect life (which of course isn't true, hello highlight reel), I'm neglecting the very gifts God has given me. When I worry about all the things I don't have, I miss out on what I do have. When I'm thinking about what I wish would happen, I forget to be present for the miracles that are happening right under my nose.

  • Lynda May 11, 2016 at 11:09 am

    This post is just what I needed. I have to make a conscious effort to look at the positive things I have in my life. I can let the negative thoughts take over so much. Thank you for sharing your thoughts !

  • Cathy May 12, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    Thank you for this post – it is a great reminder! I fall into this trap far too often.

  • Jen S May 12, 2016 at 3:15 pm

    Thank you for this! Great reminder to enjoy what I have and accomplished over the years and to avoid the comparison game. The only person who can control my happiness is me.

  • Chantel Klassen May 17, 2016 at 1:39 pm

    OH, I love this! So glad I came across your blog today. I am SO guilty of doing this!! I love the idea of watering the grass I am standing on, thank you for sharing.