Fake Friday

As we are going into a long weekend, I was thinking about what my hope for you would be.  It is that this weekend provides you rest and peace.  In searching for a quote, video, or picture that truly encompassed that,  I came across this….   At first, it didn’t fit what I thought I was looking for.  But, it kept coming back to mind.  That is truly peace…that is contentment. 

One of the toughest jobs that I have as a parent is trying to teach my kids that they are not entitled to what everyone else has.  I can’t tell you the amount of wind I have sent their direction in speaking about how I want them to be content.  I remember years ago trying to explain to my then 5 year old that an xbox couldn’t bring joy.  I had him on my knee discussing all the joys of giving, how things don’t make us happy, and how to find true contentment in life.  It was a pretty proud moment…for about 10 seconds.   He looked at me like I was a complete idiot and said “Dad, you don’t get it at all…an Xbox would make me REALLLLY happy.  I promise it would!” 

I hope this weekend is a time of family, friends, and relaxation.  I hope you have time to reflect on everything you have going on right in your life.  It doesn’t matter what a neighbor, cousin, brother, or friend have…it only matters that you can see the joy in your life. 

My preacher once said that we have this problem as humans.  “We often compare our blooper reel with everyone else’s highlight reel.”  That is sooooo true!  We look at one aspect of this person, another aspect of that person, a different quality from this other guy, and we create this super human “person” that we try to live up to.   We have to guard against that “monster” of envy and comparing.  We each have gifts, abilities, and our deck of cards to play in this game.  Life wouldn’t be fun if we were all the same.  I am glad we are all different.

So, on this long weekend…look at your own highlight reel.  Look at your own gifts and talents.  Slow down the rat race to see the joys you have.  They are in your own yard.  Remember the grass is greener on the other side until you get the water bill…

Happy “Fake Friday!”