Hi everyone,
We all know the term “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” We know it because it’s used a lot. We know it because we can relate. We know it because there was a time somewhere when we looked at the life of another and couldn’t help but compare it to our own and realise that they have it better, however slightly.
We know it, because it has never been so apparent than in kids. At least in our kids, it totally is.
I’ve lost count of how many times they argue about who is winning whatever game they are playing. Or how many turns they had compared to the other. Or even how many Maltesers they have in their bowl compared to the other bowl.
It. Is. Unending.
We as adults aren’t always that much better if we are honest, but we might just hide it a bit better. But perhaps we all need to just remember that happiness can be had both when you have and when you have not. Our identity isn’t rooted in our possessions. Our intrinsic value and worth aren’t linked to our bank accounts.
Rather, God sees us, loves us, and calls us God’s own. And for that, we can be grateful.
The readings for next week are:
Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
Psalm 90:12-17
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31
These aren’t the usual Thanksgiving texts but I see they still have a Thanksgiving kind of feel to them anyway. And perhaps that is because our faith is about gratitude. Who we are as people of God is rooted on God’s grace and our response to that. The whole good news is basically summed up in “God loves you, no matter what.” So I suppose a lot of texts would have a Thanksgiving feel to them.
But in these particular passages, I find it interesting how they highlight the attitude that “rich and power” equal “God’s favour”. We’ve thought that before, of course, but these passages seem to push it extra hard. Or I should say, they push the counter to that pretty hard, in that “rich and power” don’t equal “God’s favour”.
Instead, the rich and powerful need God just as much as the less rich and less powerful. Those who have face problems and hardships just as those who have not. That grass on the other side of the fence hit their dry season just as the grass on our side does.
So then where can we find that happiness? Salvation? God’s favour?
The thing is, Jesus says that riches and power don’t mean you are more loved by God, but they also don’t mean that you are loved any less. Rather, we are all loved equally by God even when the world decides to rate us differently. And we are all brought into God’s kingdom to live together in peace regardless of the size of our lists of accolades.
Why? Because with God, all things are possible.
And that is something we can be truly thankful for! Have a great week, everyone!
Photo by Ochir-Erdene Oyunmedeg on Unsplash