Why did we pick grass for this goofy cliché? It all looks the same to me and none of it is very impressive. I remember when I lived in Athens, OH my neighbor was growing Kentucky Blue Grass in his yard. He was obsessed about it. Every time I would walk past his house he’d be outside watering it and sharing with me how special his yard was going to be once these seedling sprouted. When it finally did I was less than enamored. It looked like grass to me. But even if it had been the most beautiful grass I had ever seen I still can’t fathom why that excites us…it’s still just grass. I think my revelation about grass is something that I need to apply the whole realm of contentment as well. What if the reason that we are so discontent has less to do with reality and more to do with the absurd value we place on things and situations. Ultimately, then, contentment wouldn’t be about what we have or don’t have but it would be a choice to accept the grass in our own yard.
When I think about what makes me unhappy I can easily reach a long list. Some of the things on the list are important and affect daily life, but most of them are silly and even if I found them they would add nothing lasting to my life. Maybe that’s the problem for most of us: we are placing absurd value on grass. What are the things that people think will make them the most happy? Money, possessions, toys, careers, the usual list. A new Xbox, a new iPad, a new job, a better spouse, a nice home, a swelling bank account, and safe retirement, these are the common desires of the American heart. Maybe those don’t look like grass to you, maybe those things all look like they are essentials. I can appreciate that view, I have it often too. But don’t be deceived, in the big picture they don’t amount to much.
In the Kingdom of God we will not care about such things, we will see them for what they really are: grass. Contentment ultimately isn’t about this life and what I have or don’t have. Contentment is ultimately about realizing I am where God has put me, wants me, and will use me. Contentment is found when I decide to make my life about Jesus, and not about myself. Contentment is a choice!
You can’t always change what you have or don’t have. You can’t often change your life situations. But you can decide in those moments that since God is on the throne, and since he is calling the shots, I will choose to trust in him. I know what you’re thinking, easier said then done. I’ll agree. I don’t write as one who has nailed down contentment. My heart battles dissatisfaction on a near daily basis. I haven’t always had an easy road and I dont’ suspect I will in the future. But I recognize that God is in control, that he is directing my life as he wants it, and he is ultimately leading me to great reward in Him. So I must choose to be content with what he has given me. Sometimes that means I have to see grass for what it is and nothing more.
In the coming days we will talk about more weighty matters of contentment but this is an important starting place since we often put so much value in the silly things. Even if it comes in pretty colors, grass is still just grass.
Sparrow & Heart Soul Care 