Your best lawn now

I had a visit from a neighbor today. She is an elderly woman with a husband in the early stages of Alzheimer's. Sadly, she is not a believer.

She is very particular about her yard. Almost every day in the fall, she will attempt to rake every leaf. Once that is done, she can enjoy her lawn for about 2 seconds until the next leaf falls.

She is also very particular about her neighbors' yards and is very verbal with her disapproval. Today, she came by to complain about some vines that were coming over to her side of the fence. The situation wasn't that bad but it seems that once she gets into a complaining spell there is nothing that can pacify her.

I have to admit that my yard has been a very low priority lately. It's a good thing a friend comes by to cut the grass (which is really mostly weeds disguised as grass) or things would really be looking bad. I probably need to get out and weed the beds, trim the bushes, and put down some mulch.

But after our encounter today, I was convicted that I need to pray more for my neighbors and their salvation and look for opportunities to share the gospel. The only thing she has to satisfy her is her front lawn and how acceptable are the lawns of her neighbors. What a sad life to lead.

But without Christ, what do we have to live for? In reality, the only thing an unbeliever has to live for is the perfect house, car, lawn, etc. to fill the void. Or at least make the attempt to have the perfect house, car, lawn, etc. Looking for our fulfillment in things is nothing but a sure recipe for discontentment.

And even as Christians, we aren't exempt from falling into the same trap. It isn't about God giving us the perfect house, car, marriage, family, lawn, etc.

It's all about God graciously giving the only the thing that can satisfy - Himself.

When we were discussing this, my daughter aptly said, "Being a Christian doesn't make life better. Being a Christian is life."