Shades Of Greener

"Our favorite doors are always locked. On a higher hill with a taller top, We all want what we ain't got. We ain't happy where we are, There's greener grass in the neighbor's yard. A bigger house and a faster car, We ain't happy where we are."

Country artist Jake Owen had a minor hit over a decade ago with those ballad lyrics. As you can gather, the song explores human discontent and our collective longing for what others possess. I, too, am guilty of this. My children often take our life for granted while gazing at others who seemingly have it better. As a society, we frequently view others with envy, wishing we could claim some portion of their reality.

For instance, my son will ask about buying a bass boat while we coast by kids splashing in the river from our kayaks. What he doesn't realize is that those kids would likely love to have what he has right now. Similarly, a buddy of mine is flat-out envious of other people's collections of gadgets, even though the bulk of people would trade places with him without hesitation.

Even as adults, the cycle continues. I drive by a home and ponder how to build an outdoor patio just like theirs. I tell myself that if I just had that one more thing like the neighbor, I'd be set. We all want just one more step up the ladder. We wish for a slightly newer truck. We covet the bigger piece of land for sale down the road. Yet, while we stress over the design of a custom tile shower, many are struggling to scrape together a down payment on a single-wide trailer.

While it is healthy to maintain the drive to improve our lives, we must find a balance. Chasing after what we lack should never detract from the goodness we already possess. Being content while still bettering ones self is a line to walk. Happiness is a state of mind and until we achieve that no amount of things will ever fill the void. Always remember that the life you take for granted is the life some soul is earnestly praying for right now.