Greener Pastures

We've all heard the saying, "the grass is always greener on the other side." I've experienced it in the very physical sense this summer... I had the incredible blessing to go to Tuscany in Italy. We drove through the winding roads looking across vast plains and vineyards and fields. The way the sun hit the tall grasses was enchanting. Every time we drove somewhere, I just got the urge to jump out of the car and go running down the the hills into the quiet, shady valleys. I wanted to feel the grass, the dirt... to be alone in the big, wide, freeing green.

Finally I had the opportunity. We pulled over on the side of the road because the green was calling to us... I began my excited trek down the hill. But suddenly the grass didn't seem like the beautiful, deep green I had observed from a distance. Suddenly it wasn't so soft and gentle. It was more whip-like as I sauntered past. I kept thinking that if I only went a little farther perhaps it would turn into whispy, gentle blades that would stroke my arms rather than scratch and pull and smack me as I went past. The dirt was a powdery grayish brown... not the rich, dark brown soil I had imagined.

When I was finally in the middle of doing something I've dreamt about doing my whole life, I was suddenly discontent. I wanted to be somewhere else. It didn't seem as enchanting as I had imagined. My feet hurt. My arms were clawed. Bugs zoomed between my eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.

But. The pictures we took tell nothing of all that discomfort. They tell the story of glorious freedom. Open green. An experience that makes your soul swell. 

It's so easy to become discontent with where we are... assuming that there's far better things for us just around the corner... without the obnoxious bugs, the cruel grass, and the parched soil. We dislike where we are, we're jealous of others and what they have.... and overlook that maybe... just maybe... it's not perfect there either.

Looking back at my experience in these green, rolling hills, I am again so filled with that desire to explore. To just roll down those hills, or have a picnic, or just take it all in. We tend to do that too: forget the hard things of the past, and wish for those days back again... the Good Old Days. But those days had their hardships too...

I'm learning to embrace where I am. Right now in life. This 20-year old, junior in college, Me. To be content... despite the bugs, the hard soil, the painful weeds. And know that even if right now I don't see the big picture.... Someone does. And He's into making things beautiful.