the grass SEEMS greener on the other side

Why is it that we're never satisfied? Because we are naturally greedy.

Why do we self-absorbantly wallow in our struggles? Because we are proud and conceited.

These and other related thoughts come to me whenever I meditate on Psalm 118:24 -

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

The reason why this verse has this effect is because it reminds me that we all start off with a day, every day. Every one of us gets 24 hours to do, really, anything we want. Whether it be spent playing video games, watching TV and eating, or saving the world, the point is we wake up every day, with the same amount of time, and the same chance to do whatever we want. Each day is a gift, that's why they call it the present (Sorry for the lame cliche, but it fits). The funny thing is, I don't think we realize and appreciate each day for what it is: another day that we don't deserve, and a day the LORD has made. The fact that we wake up and can really do whatever in itself is precious, and I think so many of us, including yours truly, take that for granted. How we take advantage of or squander the 24 hours God gives us each day differs from person to person, but the fact remains that all things considered, we all start off on the same foot.

How this thought relates to the first two questioned posed is simple: we need something as simple and foundational as that daily contentment, gratefulness and joyfulness to overcome the selfish ambitions that threaten to overtake us at any moment. Realize that we all are heirs to the greatest treasure in heaven, and that compared to this, the need to imagine the "greener" other side will be irrelevant. Realize that we all share burdens and joys together as a body of Christ and that no one's struggle is worth less and more than another's.

It's all about being faithful and grateful for the little things, the current things in our lives, in anticipation of greater things that are yet to come. I think a line in a Sheryl Crow song summed it up nicely: "It's not having what you want; It's wanting what you've got". Think how complacent many of us are about the little things we have, and compare that to the predicament of Haitians being pulled out of the rubbles 10+ days AFTER the earthquake. Perspective does a body good.

We love to whine and highlight ourselves. We want to broadcast our troubles so as to receive attention, care and concern. We want to broadcast our joys and victories so as to receive accolade, congratulations and glory. No one person is worth any more or less than another, and I believe this counts especially for personal struggles. Everyone struggles all the time, it's just a fact. But the fact remains that we shouldn't wallow in our self-pitying and struggles, but rather look to build another struggling brother/sister up, as they do the same unto you.

This was just a random thought I wanted to share.