It’s Summer 2017, and the image flashes across my phone, as photos so often do on our electronic devices these days. But this one is a little out of the ordinary, and I stop mid scroll to absorb the scene.
Morning light shines over the calm, still waters of a sleepy mountain lake, as subtle shades of dawn cast a smoky glow on the horizon.
From a balcony view, I can see dark green shadows waking with the sun, dense tree lined shores in the distance, and the soft, angled curve of a laptop computer perched on a patio table far removed from the fast paced rhythms of everyday life.
Ah. If only.
I imagine being tucked into the scene with a warm mug of tea in one hand and a lightweight blanket in the other, as the stillness settles over me.
Except…a sudden pang deflates the lofty thought.
Is it envy? Jealousy? Longing? I turn each word over in my mind, not sure I really want to name the feeling. Not sure I want the unchecked desire to be examined.
Maybe you know what I’m talking about? That place where comparison threatens, and joy is fleeting?
The place where my current reality doesn’t measure up to the dreamy waterfront office, so I shift focus instead.
It was time to put the phone away anyhow, gather my work bag and keys, and make a mad, muddy dash to the car, dodging a steady drizzle of Florida rain.
The simple truth is this. At that moment, someone else’s life looked more appealing than my own. A peaceful morning on the lake perusing email and project updates – versus crowded, slippery interstates, and the gray confines of a busy office. The picture represented an escape of sorts, freedom from the low grade pressure of stress and anxiety, while I felt tethered to a spot where they often come out in full force.
But…wait a minute.
How is it that comparison is quick to multiply the blessings on a small, handheld screen, yet slow at counting the abundance of those in my own life?
You know?
I merged into traffic with the soft tick of my blinker, knowing deep down that such a formula never measures up. Reality doesn’t always come in pastel shades of inviting color, but there’s something to be said for the fabric of ordinary days, and the beautiful threads of God’s love woven throughout – in spite of drab, messy, and sometimes chaotic moments.
The rest of my drive that day was thoughtful, and with an ever so slight perspective shift, I remember thinking…If that were me on the lake, fancy laptop and all (hypothetically speaking, of course 🙂 ),what would I fondly remember about the rhythms and patterns of my right now season?
The results looked a bit like this:
- A long commute over the river, especially on sunny days
- The quaint little café downstairs, serving up Starbucks menu options (Chai latte, please!)
- A large, well maintained campus with an eclectic blend of concrete and nature
- Strong peer camaraderie and support
- True laugh out loud moments
- A kind, generous and thoughtful boss
- Friday afternoon strolls with a close friend
- Large windows filtering bright sparks of sunlight
- A desk with a view
- Colorful crepe myrtles in full bloom
Simple? Yes.
But also effective in turning the tide.
And maybe that’s the key?
I realize here and now that freedom has less to do with the perfect job, home, relationship, or anything else we may value on the other side of the fence, and much more to do with uncovering beauty right where we are, sparking joy in the greenhouse of a grateful heart.
This realization isn’t anything new or earth shattering, but sometimes it can feel elusive, especially when comparison comes calling, asking us to walk in step with discouragement and discontent.
It’s then I really want to hold it close.
Will you join me?
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