[ampaterry]

Many people are not content with the work they are doing because the grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence. They are dissatisfied even when their circumstances are favorable. Instead of being cheerful and conscientious as to the Lord, they yield to covetousness. As a result, they miss God's best for their lives and fail to see the blessings they already have. They should pay attention to the title of Erma Bombeck’s book; ‘The grass is always greener over the septic tank!’

An ancient Persian legend tells of a wealthy man by the name of Al Haffed who owned a large farm. One evening a visitor related to him tales of fabulous amounts of diamonds that could be found in other parts of the world, and of the great riches they could bring him. The vision of all this wealth made him feel poor by comparison. So instead of caring for his own prosperous farm, he sold it and set out to find these treasures. But the search proved to be fruitless. Finally, penniless and in despair, he committed suicide by jumping into the sea. Meanwhile, the man who had purchased his farm noticed one day the glint of an unusual stone in a shallow stream on the property. He reached into the water, and to his amazement he pulled out a huge diamond. Later when working in his garden, he uncovered many more valuable gems. Poor Al Haffed had spent his life traveling to distant lands seeking jewels when on the farm he had left behind were all the precious stones his heart could have ever desired.

This is not unlike the Alaska gold rush which I have studied; thousands of people left home and loved ones for the hoped for yellow gold of the north, and received a frozen grave for their reward. Not ONE of the original people who found gold there remained wealthy!

Psalm 63:5 (NRSV);
“My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips”

Philippians 4:11 (KJV);
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

May God bless each one of you with the ability to appreciate what you already have.