Paradise in Front of Me
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PIFOM Friday - Your Green Grass

5/23/2014

2 Comments

 
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This is a picture of my lawn. I tell people that it's a tribute to the many varieties of grasses and weeds that grow in Virginia. When lawn care specialists knock on my door, I can see the excitement in their eyes when I answer. 

"The grass is always greener" is an expression I think about a lot. In the case of my yard, the grass is greener on just about every other property I can see. Sometimes people use this old saying as an excuse not to take a risk or challenge themselves. They don't want to leave their comfort zone, so they stay where they are and convince themselves that the new opportunity wouldn't lead to anything better. There is no doubt that seeking new pastures can be a positive, life-changing experience.
However, I think about the expression in terms of being grateful for what you have. In my travels in life, I have run across many who are convinced that if they just had this job, lived in that place, or had X amount of money, all would be well. They spend so much time looking for something better that they miss now. And, when they do land the new job or move to the new place, the cycle begins anew. Too many people spend the bulk of their lives creating a utopian-like view of a potential life without recognizing all the beauty in their current one.

I'm guilty of doing all of the things mentioned above. I have spent far too much time in the mindset that somewhere, someone is living a happier, more fulfilling life than I am. You know, somebody is likely doing just that. However, this is my life and this is my lawn, and there is a lot to love about both. So, today, be thankful for the life that is yours. Be purposeful as you celebrate everything that makes your life, your story unique and beautiful. Then, do the same thing tomorrow. Believe in yourself and your potential, celebrate today, and good things will follow. 

I'm standing in my front yard this morning, staring at my lawn, scratching my head, and mulling the disaster that it is. Bridgette runs past me, holding a stem, and spreading dandelion seeds as she races past. "Dad!" she yells, "Nobody else has this many flowers in their yard!" I laugh out loud. She's right. My lawn is just fine.
2 Comments
Anonymous
5/23/2014 02:47:47 pm

I once met a woman at my son's soccer game who told me her husband recently left her for a younger woman. She continued with a coy smile saying, "Yes, he thought the grass was greener on the other side of the fence until he realized it was growing over a septic field!"
Loved your analogy but thought you might get a smile out of this one too.

Reply
Kevin
5/23/2014 03:49:21 pm

Haha:) Thanks for sharing that story.

Reply



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    Kevin Finch is a writer and private reading tutor in Roanoke, Virginia. He is the author of Paradise in Front of Me, a collection of short stories documenting his time as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras. 

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