The other day, we passed by these Canada Geese. This one was walking back and forth in front of a fence, craning his neck and wanting on the other side. What was on the other side? Well, more geese, and water. But the side the goose was already on was even better! There were other geese, a calm river, and a big stretch of grass. Yet he persisted in wanting over the fence!! Kind of like some people, always thinking the grass is greener on the other side, or in this case maybe the water was wetter on the other side. I think we all have done this at times. Appearances can be deceiving, and I think that sometimes if we knew everything about certain people's lives, we wouldn't be so quick to want what they have. As for this goose, I don't have a clue why he didn't just fly over, maybe he couldn't get anyone else to go with him. He could use some advice from Paul.
"Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, whatever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." Philippians 4:11,13 - The Message
25 comments:
Maybe he has his eye on a pretty lady goose on the other side, it is that time of the year. But I have no idea why he doesn't fly over the fence ..... unless he is very shy, LOL!
You are right...Mrs. Ginny. Often we think that we aren't as fortunate as others. We think that we aren't as happy as anyone else. Proverb which says that the grass looks greener applicable universally. But there is one view of Javanese people about this, namely "nrima ing pandum" That is, we should not feel envy with the result that's owned by someone else, and we must be clever grateful for any results we get. Our obligation were to pray and do the best, the results to be obtained are the right of God to decide what's best for us.
Poor guy. What frustrations!
There is a saying.. the other side of the pasture is greener?
Nice pictures, Ginny.. u r really good in photography..
The grass is always greener on the other side - but it also needs to be mowed and weeded!! Great analogy! Somehow we always want what we don't have - not that we want to take it away from the other, but that we want it also! What's really 'greener' are our eyes - green with envy! Oh, to learn to be content with what we have! Enjoyed your goose story!
I still can't figure out why 'our' geese would build a nest on the highrise building which is a couple of miles away from the nearest creek, river or pond - and other geese! Two loners I guess!
Off to work - have a great day!
when your blog opened, my first thought was OH, hi goosey loosey.. beautiful geese and now that i think about it, the geese that live at the SPCA have there own fenced in acre pond with everything a goose could want, they are domestic geese, not wile like these, but they never leave the area, and they do reach through the fence to eat whatever is on the other side. i have seen horses and cows with their necks stretched through barb wire. and every day I see humans wanting what they don't have and making them selves miserable trying to get something different, a new spouse, a different house, or bigger and better and more expensive whatever.
my least favorite commercial running on TV is from Rooms to go and they sing over and over and louder and louder, I WANT IT ALL, I Want it ALL... that is a prime example of most Americans now. Paul had the answer 2000 years ago and it still fits now
Seems like we always think the grass is greener on the other side but like they say....the grass needs mowing there too....ha ha!
We're looking forward to the day when these graceful ones starting showing up in our region again. I love to hear them honking as them fly overhead.
Hi Ginny, Geese are fairly smart birds. I have two up close and personal in my back yard these days so I am watching them a lot. Who can tell what those geese in your fine pictures were thinking, anyway? Your verse today was wonderful as always. Have a fine day today!
Those verse are even more powerful in this translation.The goose is a good example of always wanting what we don't have.
I actually always preferred Erma Bombecks version "the grass is always greener over the septic tank."...lol
I'm guilty of thinking the grass was greener on the other side. Now that I'm older and wiser I'm just happy that I have grass of my own.
Ah, those Canada geese, always looking for the best grass. What a nuisance they can be in grassy parks here.
I guess humans aren't the only ones who can't be content with the blessings they have.
Great post!
Nadine was based on a real person. That was my first venture into writing five years ago.
I posted the rest of the story in my
http://annkschin.blogspot.com/2008/11/nadine-chapter-one.html
This was the reason why I started blogging. It was to showcase my writing.
Of course, at that time, I didn't know any of you, so my writings were not read.
Thank you all for reading and commenting.
11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content
from the King James
It has always been one of my favorite verses.
Your verse fits me perfectly. That is exactly how I fell and live.
what an awesome post. I have found myself in simliar situations where I think oh these guys over there have it so much easier than us...only to find that that was not the case.It's like that story about the guy who thinks his cross to bear is too much and he asks God for relief. Only to find that his cross was smaller than all the others he had to choose from. Love the pictures! Blessings, Joanne
Hi Ginny, Great pictures of the geese... Wonder why he doesn't FLY over????? Hmmmmmm....
Yes---I know about the 'grass being greener'... My first husband lived his life thinking that the grass was greener somewhere else. We moved so many times --and each time, we'd get farther behind financially... That was not a fun time in my life.
Hugs,
Betsy
So true Ginny....So often, we see something on the other side of the fence that we long for, but when we finally reach it, we sometimes find we were better off without it...Good post and great pictures.
Shug
Oh gosh..was even better where he was (ha ha)..so true isn't it? I think of myself and how people have millions (except I'm honestly not dumb enough to keep thinking about it)..it's truly amazing in comparison how you can be satisfied (just like Paul said)- I like the quote and seems to run parallel with my post in a way. (I enjoyed your response too- very interesting)-thanks.
Gee..I know you'll be posting soon but forgot to say how much I enjoy your beautiful photos and header..I always love their expressions!
wow...what nice clicks...u bet...It always looks greener on the other side of the river :-)
I'm actually able to get into blogger this morning, but I'm leaving my notice up in case it won't work later...no, Ginny, I'm not spending any money on the computer right now because I'm saving for the car that I want to buy next month...it's been HELL without a vehicle - no public transportation and missing doctor's and Vet appointments...not fun!
Anyway, our Canada goose finally flew away from our lake, maybe she found a mate to make babies with - it is Spring after all :-)
I think Canada geese are so pretty. I don't understand why ducks and geese don't fly more often, like when they see me way from the other end of the lake/pond, instead of just flying towards me, they quack and make all sorts of noise and peddle as fast as they can - flying would be so much faster, but then what do I know...I'm only human!
I especially like your scripture quote today, Ginny. Very meaningful.
As I've learned of bad things happening in other people's lives (especially when a marriage breaks down), I'm reminded that we can never know what is in the heart of a person or what is at the heart of another's marriage or life. This knowledge makes me very grateful for what I have and without the desire for more than what might naturally, and through God's love, will come to me.
I sometimes think that is the key - to be happy with what we have. Easy to say harder to do!
sandie
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