Imagine living on one side of a fence. We'll pretend for visual sake that this fence is chain link. Chain link is a bit drab, I know. So on your side, the links in the fence are as brightly shining gold. When you turn your eyes fall upon mildly rolling hills with lush green lawns that seemingly stretch forever. You then peel your eyes from this ah inspired view only to find in the great distance enormous mountains, at the base of which you see reflected in a calm, pristine, crystalline, mirror like lake, its mountainous neighbors. It's so pure and clear as you look past the reflection you see with perfect clarity all the wonderful life it supports below its surface. As you gaze up into the rocky green folds of these massive highlands, your heart flutters with the shocking impact of the landscape that lies before you. The vibrant colors brought forth from the wild beauty literally take your breath away. When the realization that your not breathing begins to dawn in your overwhelmed senses, you're briefly startled, yet relaxed in the cushion of your surroundings. In your calm intake of air you discover a clean and pleasing aroma. When in abundance you capture the sight of a grand assortment of eye enchanting flowers, all in an exploding array of colors, leaving a scent that freshens the air. To one side of the lake you have incredible towering trees of all kinds. Each full of luscious leaves and needles covering the most beautiful spectrum's of green. As your eyes expose Gods artistry and the grace with which each leaf dances in the breeze, you meet the tips of each tree. Each reaching high as its tender green fingers tickle the most amazing blue sky imaginable. Sparse thin wisps of white embrace the immense sea of blue, each wisp gravitating towards the pure white peaks piercing the sky. When you regain control of your senses do to the wondrous landscape, you find yourself surrounded by family and friends. Pure love isn't descriptive enough to explain your emotions and feeling, yet that's exactly what it is!
Now, noting that this may not be the ideal for well, anyone but me, nothing I described above, or could describe as far as the side of the fence we live on, can truly match the blessings we have in our lives. We could describe our side with the most grand of illusions,but whether described truthfully or not, we will inevitably leave out what matters most. Those being our blessings each day. We have a tendency to live for the moment in a selfish way. We think of what is our ideal situation or what we seek, and tend to leave others as second thoughts if at all sometimes. We each have so much we don't see. We are so blind to so much so often. Just take a moment and think of one thing your thankful for. If you can't think of anything, you may possibly be on the wrong side of the fence. Remember: All good things come from God.
Here is a little challenge. Try naming 100 things your thankful for. Wow, one hundred things! Come on it's not that bad. I got this out of the Dec. 2011 Ensign.
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Take a Gratitude Challenge
Let’s not just talk about counting our blessings—let’s do it! Write a list of 100 things you are thankful for. If that sounds like it is too many, try this:
- 1. Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.
- 2. Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.
- 3. Write 10 living people you are grateful for.
- 4. Write 10 deceased people you are grateful for.
- 5. Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.
- 6. Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.
- 7. Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.
- 8. Write 10 modern inventions you are grateful for.
- 9. Write 10 foods you are grateful for.
- 10. Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for.
When we make a list like this, we discover that a list of 100 doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of all the things God has given us.
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2011/12/the-choice-to-be-grateful?lang=eng
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It's interesting to see or hear what people will give up to even catch a peek of the other side of the fence, the wrong side of the fence. Some get trapped on that other side. Whether it be to addictions (drugs, alcohol, smoking, pornography, television, what have you) or even just to show a little rebellion because of the 'no one can tell me what to do, when really all it was is good advice' syndrome, or maybe jealously, many get trapped. The wrong side is full of greed, selfishness and pride, basically self serving individuals. Some just make a mistake and come back quickly. At one time or another everyone goes to the other side. It's just nice to know how good my side is. Wow, the good that can come from just being thankful. Be thankful for what you have. If you can improve your side of the fence then do it, and work at it, but never give up the blessings you have and don't get trapped on the wrong side with what you think you want.
The only time grass is greener on the other side is when your on the wrong side. Jesus said "Come unto to me". His side is the right side. He will pull you free from sin, free from addiction, free from mistakes. You only have to ask with sincerity in your heart. He is there for everyone, beckoning us to come to him. He gave us agency, that we may choose Him. He will not force us. I am so thankful for my blessings as I strive to make my side of the fence the same as Christ's.
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