Green Pastures

There's a little farm I pass every day when I drive to work. As with most farms, there is always some kind of amusement so usually I try to go a little slower as I pass the that stretch of highway.  Sometimes the new lambs are chasing old unplayable sheep or llamas are lazily chewing or the beauty of it is simply calming.

One morning I was especially caused to pause. Across the beautiful lush green pasture was a llama at the far end up to its shoulder blades in the fence. It hurt my neck just looking at how much it was straining to stretch to reach the long grass on the other side.  Silly llama I thought.  Why stretch so far when there is rich thick grass right under you?

Then the Nathan and David moment hit me upside the head and a voice inside my head scolded, "YOU are the llama!"

How often does something out of reach that is not mine appear so delectable? The greener grass on the other side of the fence. I stretch for it. I am willing to endure pain to get it. I am disillusioned by its appearance.  Satan makes me see things through rose colored glasses.  You'd think by now I would no longer fall for his tricks. I should be able to respond raising my own doubt. Is that grass really more tasty than what I have?  Is that house truly better for me? Is that model phone, dishwasher, oven, sewing machine, fill in the blank really something I need to be completely happy?

If that___________ really was something I needed, would not God give it to me?  A friend of mine often reminds me macaroni and cheese  is "daily bread"  just as much, if not more, than steak.

I, like you, are abundantly blessed with more than I could ever ask for or deserve.  God promises to provide for me when in actuality He blesses my socks off.   Shame on me for wanting more.  God gives what I need when I need it.

Lord, help me keep my neck from stretching and help me to be thankful for all of my blessings on this side of the fence.  (JH)