Have you ever heard (or said) the phrase, "The grass is greener over there?"
It's a metaphor we use to express that we think somebody else is getting a better lot in life.
We think or say things like:
...they're blessed and I'm not.
...she got dealt a better hand than I did.
...if only I had his luck.
...yea, but if they were my parents, I would be better off too.
And so on and so forth.
But today, in this blog, I have something to offer you that will help you with the grass on your side of the fence!
It's the amazing new "Green Grass Grower" with a new ingredient... TTYO! (Tend To Your Own). When you use Green Grass Grower with TTYO, you will get the luscious lawn you've been dreaming of!
First let me tell you that the "TTYO" tidbit was borrowed from an Adventures in Odyssey, and secondly, all humor aside, it makes perfect sense.
If someone's grass is greener, it just means they're spending time working it to make it that way.
Unfortunately in North America today, we want things handed to us. We want everything on credit and we want it now. We've appeased our flesh, giving it the conveniences it thinks it needs. And then when someone else has "greener grass" we covet their "lawn." It really is time to TTYO - tend to your own!
Paul gives us great understanding as to how this happens...
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (Philip. 4:11 KJV)
Contentment is a learned behavior! Consider how these other translations state the same verse:
I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have. (Philip. 4:11 CEV)
...I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. (Philip. 4:11b ESV)
...I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. (Philip. 4:11b MsgB)
...I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. (Philip. 4:11b NCV)
Paul knew how to use TTYO to make his grass greener.
I remember traveling to Manuas, Brazil in the summer of 1991. It was my graduation gift, and it would forever change my life. I was not born to a wealthy family, and had to work hard to raise the money to go on the trip. I was able to take $500.00 in spending money and felt like a millionaire.
Bro. Bennie DeMerchant (the missionary) welcomed us to his heartbeat for God - the country of Brazil. On our first full day in Brazil, he happened to ask me how much spending money I had, and when I told him, he then told me that I was carrying more money for pleasure than what 98% of Brazilians make in a year's salary.
My heart skipped a few beats and my mind raced as I pondered on what he said. Then after being in church with them, and watching them out-worship me, I was convicted beyond description. I also learned that the vast majority of them own two sets of clothes. While one is on their body, the other is hanging out to dry - they wash one while wearing the other.
While they were poor economically, and I had more clothes in my suitcase then ten Brazilians, they were not poor in spirit or The Spirit!
Today, in this blog, I want to encourage you to TTYO and like Paul, learn to be content.
My wife informs me often that it's the "little" things I do for her that make our relationship stronger. I could max out a credit card and take her on a cruise, or fly to Paris, or some other place and thing, but I can also learn to be content with what I have and make the most of it.
Last night, I enjoyed some time with Brooklyn - playing Clue, playing catch, and jumping on a trampoline. It only cost me my time, but our families spell love, T-I-M-E, and memories were made that I could never buy with all the money in the world.
Enjoy your family today.
Go roll down a hill and laugh like a crazy person.
Sit on the porch tonight and gaze at the stars.
When other people's grass looks greener, get out your bottle of "Green Grass Grower" with special formula, TTYO, and you'll be amazed at how green your own grass is within just hours.
