Recently, the oldie song “The Other Man’s Grass is Always Greener” has been weaving its way through my mind as I walk in the neighborhood. I can’t help noticing the many parched lawns and drooping bushes. Yet, some lawns are emerald green, an expensive investment in a city with high water rates.
A psychologist claims there’s a “Grass is Always Greener syndrome”, which extends far beyond yards and foliage. I admit to comparing myself to others, especially writers who are able to churn out copious numbers of books. Fortunately, I watch Nancy Pearl’s TV program and I’ve heard several successful authors say, “I write slowly.” I don’t write slowly, but publishing a novel seems to take forever, especially when research and editing is required.
Does my admiration for this lovely garden entrance cross the line to envy?
I think this comparing myself to others infuses all parts of my life, and I’m guessing many share the same malady. He or she is better looking, has a cuter figure, owns a snazzier car, a larger house … The list goes on. What can you think of?
Several years ago, I was surprised when I heard that many people on Twitter and Facebook feel inadequate after reading about others’ accomplishments. The reader actually feels lonelier. I’ve met many fabulous people on Facebook and enjoy communicating with them, and would never want to give them up. But I admit to occasional pangs of envy. How about you?
Is comparing ourselves with others a losing battle? Do you think the Amish suffer from the same malady? I’m guessing they do even though they’re admonished not to. What do you think might be some ways they compare themselves to others?
Oh, my, the green does seem greener in Lancaster County, PA.
Have you pondered living the Amish life? A miniscule number of English (non-Amish people) successfully join the Amish church and live their lifestyle. I feel the pull, but of course wouldn’t be writing to you on my computer. Nor would you be reading it. What about the Amish lifestyle is so compelling? Is their grass greener?
Are you satisfied with your life? Does anyone live with complete contentment?
Enter to win this Amish-made log-cabin pattern pillow and a signed novel.
Leave a comment and enter to win this exquisite 17” square Amish-made pillow from Lancaster County, PA, plus a signed copy of one book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish! USA and Canada. Winner has three days to respond.
There definitely is something very intriguing about the Amish lifestyle. But I think it would be very difficult to fully adopt that lifestyle. I guess I can live their life at least in my mind when getting lost in a great novel set in the Amish community! Thank you for giving us great options for doing that!
I am intrigued with the Amish too, Nancy, but very few English are able to make the transition to join the Amish church and follow their lifestyle successfully. Doesn’t mean we can’t learn much from and enjoy them. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I think everyone yearns for greener grass, isn’t that why we set goals? Contentment comes in many forms. These were 2 great thought provoking questions. Our breakfast group had a great discussion this morning. Thank you for the opportunity to win this pillow. Your novels are very interesting.
I wish I could have joined your breakfast group and heard your discussion, Beverly! You are right: contentment comes in many forms. If I had been content to remain idle, I would never have set out on my arduous yet rewarding journey to write about the Amish. I prayed for almost a year before writing my first Amish novel. Then I dove into research and visited Lancaster County several times. Nothing came easy, but I persisted. Thanks your intriguing comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Yes, I am content.
Yea, Catherine. You must be doing something right. Or have a fabulous attitude toward adversity. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
No, I am not content. There is a lot of conflict in my life.
Sorry to hear you have much conflict in your life, Sandra. I am praying right now that the conflict evaporates or that you find a way to be blessed in spite of it. Good luck in the giveaway.
Kate
I am content. I come out ahead when I wake up in the morning.
Thanks for sharing your contentment with me, Roxanne! Some nights are like crossing the ocean in an old three masted schooner, but I tend to wake up contented, myself. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I try not to compare myself to others but I usually do to a point. At least until I realize what I am doing and mindfully stop! Being grateful for who God made me and what He has given me is something I work on continually. I remember a quote I read somewhere, “If the grass on the other side is greener, don’t long for that grass but water your own”
I love that quote, Tracie! I do the same thing when I realize I’m comparing myself to others, for instance writers who churn out novels several times a year. Then I remember that some of my favorite authors only write one book every three years. And they are excellent. God made me with curly hair and never let me grow taller than my sister; it feels good to embrace what He has given me. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I think contentment has its own set of values, like feeling content and happy when you have accomplished a goal and or something that you have wanted to do for a long time(ie loose weight). I feel that life itself has its own characteristics and values.. a person can make the choice(s) to whether or not they are content. Also that I am satisfied with my life, cause Jesus is in my Life and I live by example and try to encourage others.
Nothing gives me more pleasure than encouraging others, Andrea, and sharing how embracing Jesus has enriched my life. Thanks for sending your lovely comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
The grass appears to be greener. It is our own values that create either a want to have better “things” or to be satisfied with what we have and learn how to make the best of it and enjoy life. Goals are great but have to be realistic. 🙂
Well said, Jean! Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Beautiful log cabin squares on the pillows…I live in Amish country–rural Wayne County, and I don’t know anything about horses, except when I was 16, one tried to scrape me off on a tree! I don’t watch TV, & usually listen to Christian radio about 1-2 hrs a week; I have a clothes line & a wood stove, but, I LIKE the convenience of not relying on them–I can turn up the thermostat; I can choose to use the dryer; I don’t have to have a garden & can my food–although my home canned food tastes far better than store bought canned foods! I like having a car & the independence it gives me… I like living simply, and living a de-cluttered life, so in that respect, I try to emulate the Amish…
Sounds as if you’ve come up with a perfect compromise, MS! I’ve had a horse or two try to scrape me off a tree, but I still love them. Not enough to give up my car … Like you I enjoy having my options open and uncluttered. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have learned to be content in my present circumstances. That doesn’t mean that I don’t wish things could be better, but yet I am content.
Wonderful that you live in contentment, no matter your circumstances, Nancy! I noticed you use the word “learned,” and I admire your attitude. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I couldn’t live the amish life. Love my conviences too much
As long as you’re content with your life as it is, why change, Sheila? Thanks for entering the giveaway!
The grass usually looks greener on the other side , especially when things arent so good in your life. I am fine with what I have. As you get older you realize family is the most important thing in life. Possessions can be replaced , family can not. Be thankful for what you have .
Love the Amish crafts and I read a lot of books about them. Beautiful pillow too.
I agree with you in every respect, Ann! Nothing here on earth is more valuable than family. For those without family members, close friends our invaluable. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am content most of the time. I do, however, admire the Amish in the way they look after their older generations and help to take care of them if needed. It must be a good feeling to the older generations.
I agree, Kathy! In America, youth and beauty are revered. What happened to the good old days when young people would open doors for the elderly? I still do. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I don’t think anyone is ever completely content. Not even the Amish. I try to Liv a very simple life, but every once in a while I wish I had more.
Since no one is perfect, I imagine you are correct, Deb. Thanks for writing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I think I am pretty content with my life. Is it where I want to be? No…but it could be worse.
Being pretty content with your life sounds good, Hannah. I wish you the best in finding where/what you hope to be doing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Sometimes maybe the grass isn’t always as green as we may think or don’t realize what the other person went through to get it greener. I find myself wishing for greener pastures at times .
So true, Melissa! Several times i was surprised to find that what looked like green pastures were actually full of dried up weeds. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I often wonder if I could live Amish…
Many of us do, Claudia. But very few people are successful. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Ah, Kate, that’s a question that takes some careful thought. I often see beautiful homes, properties and such and wonder what it would be like to have all of that…then I think of the debt it would bring to my life. Not a pretty picture. When I see people that are successful in what they do, I wonder if I can ever match up or have those opportunities for myself. I then think about the fact that these things are earthly things and are only as important as you make them out to be. So I try to be happy with what I have and appreciate the Lord’s many blessings, too many to count and then I feel so blessed I can no longer feel those little envious feelings creep into my life. When I stop to “count my blessings”, I could then keep counting for a very long time.
Thanks for writing, Sonja! There are several beautiful homes in our neighborhood that were sold after a bitter divorce. The houses’ beauty was skin-deep. I also don’t want to get into debt trying to keep up with the Joneses. You’re correct; earthly belongings are temporary and cannot give us true happiness. When I feel lacking, I also think of my blessings and thank the Lord for his generosity and mercy. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I think we all would like the best in everything out of life.. I know at times I feel like some people I know never have anything go wrong,they’re always living life to the fullest and doing new and exciting things, traveling ect. Meanwhile, I make plans and things don’t work out.. I think the Amish life would be less stressful, and draw you closer to the Lord.
I doubt anyone never has anything go wrong, Wendi. One of my favorite people (wonderful family, great relationship with the Lord, her husband, their kids and many grandchildren) was recently diagnosed with a cancer that apparently can’t be cured. In many ways the Amish life would be less stressful, but they also deal with illness and loss. Maybe all heart ache and pain can draw us closer to the Lord if we allow Him to comfort and guide us. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
This makes me think of Paul in the Bible saying he had learned to be content where he was. We need to do this more. The human in us is always searching for more. I got your Sept newsletter and enjoyed reading how we search for greener pastures.
thanks for sharing on your giveaway, this pillow is so pretty. I look forward to reading your books and am happy that you are happy writing.
Paul is the perfect example of learning to be content where we are, Pauline. Before his contentment, he was what he called the worst of all sinners, telling me that no matter what your past or present circumstances are with God’s help we can change and learn to be content even under adversity. I’m glad you enjoyed the newsletter and can’t wait until you read my books! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’ve never been a “grass is greener” type of person. I’m always feeling blessed with what God has graced my family with. We have our ups and downs like everyone but we have been so blessed in so many ways. For that all praise goes to God.
Would love to win the pillow. Its beautiful. You know I’m a big fan of yours and love your books. Waiting on the bookstore to call with your newest release.
Have a wonderful & blessed weekend.
How wonderful to be optimistic and content, Pat! Our family has also been blessed even through illness and death. All glory goes to God. Thanks for your generous praise of my books. I can’t wait for my newest to be released next summer. Guess I’m learning about patience … Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I try very hard to not envy what others have. I thank God every day for the beautiful home I share with my daughter where I can look out on the lovely waves on the ocean and even enjoy the windy storms in the winter.
A view, especially of water or mountains, is something I dream of, Maxine! I grew up in a house with a fantastic view … But I am determined to be content where I’m planted and thank God for our home. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
There are some areas in my life that I am content, but a lot that I’m not. I do wish I could know all of t g e abilities the Amish have, I.e. sewing, quilting, gardening, canning, working Sun up to sundown, farming, all of those wonderful abilities. I was raised with a good work ethic, but I can promise you, I couldn’t make it through one day of an Amish woman’s normal life.
Whenever I hear myself wishing I could play the piano better, I remind myself that all I’d need to do is take more lessons and practice, Debbie. When I became a Christian and started attending church, I realized I couldn’t sing worth a hoot, so I signed up for voice lessons and later sang in musical theater. Unless you are bedridden, it’s never too late to learn one of the above items, such as quilting. As with all things in life it takes determination. I would also be exhausted running an Amish household, plus helping my husband with his chores. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am quite content with my life. God leads the way for me. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Congratulations, Tina, few people are content with their life! But then again, few people listen to God and follow His lead. Thank you for entering the giveaway!
Kate
For the most part, I am content with my life. Sometimes I do look at other’s people’s happiness. I am happy for them and I do not want their life, but when the day is not going as planned, sometimes I pray that something will change.
Some really excellent information, Glad I detected
this.