The grass is always greener

...over the septic tank, according to Erma Bombeck.  I never understood what that meant, having grown up in Dallas with very modern plumbing.  Living in a desert with septic tanks, I get it now.  We have one lovely patch of green grass right where the laundry water drains out.

Today I've been thinking about contentment again, and how illusive it is.  Singles think, "If only I was married..."  Marrieds think, "If only I wasn't married..."  Some think, "If only I had children..."  Others think, "If only I didn't have children..."

Todd Nighswonger mentioned this in a podcast sermon from Cornerstone Church we watched yesterday.

It reminds me of a particular time a single missionary friend visited me while on furlough back in 1990.  I was in the throes of mothering, with three little boys ages almost 2, 3 1/2, and five, with Hannah due the next spring.  I'll never forget the envy of watching Mimi stay up late working on correspondence to her supporters, sitting at the table with hand-written thank-you notes.

When I went to bed, she was still up, writing beautiful letters.  "Must be nice..." is all I could think.

 The next morning, I was up with my early bird children, trying to keep them quiet so Mimi could sleep in.  I started a couple of loads of clothes, fed the boys, washed the kitchen, tidied up the house, made my bed (Jim was out of town), and finally settled down on the couch for the story time we had missed the night before while I was gabbing with Mimi.

About then, my friend wandered out, saw us snuggled together, my three precious little boys and me, and I'll never forget the wistful expression on her face as she made some sweet remark nothing remotely like the "Must be nice...." I was thinking earlier in the morning.

Contentment.  I imagine Mimi embraces it.  The simple truth of the matter is that grass is greener where we water it.  This week I intend to nourish my attitudes so they are not so crusty, brown, and dry.  Back to the Source of all love, joy, peace, and contentment....