I Won the Birth Lottery

Sometime back, I saw a comic that showed two fields separated by a fence. Each field was the same size and each had plenty of lush green grass. In each field, there was a mule whose head stuck through the wire, eating grass from the pasture on the other side, even though it was hard to reach. In the process, the mules’ heads became caught in the fence. The cartoonist wisely described the situation with one word: “Discontent.”

How often, like the mules, do we focus on what we don’t have and we lose sight of all the blessings that surround us. Sometimes we come to believe that other people have it so much better, but the truth is, we all have our struggles. In spite of the perception, the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.

Someone reminded me recently, “Joe, you won the birth lottery! You were born here in the United States into a great family, at a peaceful technologically advanced time in history. You have access to a great education and health care. You, my friend, like so many of us, have had a head start!”

It’s so true. We all face struggles and trials in life. However, at the same time, most of us don’t have to look far to see many blessings in our lives. Probably more than we could ever count.

Let us pray: Today, Loving God, we at least attempt to count our blessings. We have advantages that most people in history never had. We especially thank you today for the people in our lives who are close to our hearts. May we never fail to appreciate them, and may we never fail to appreciate your love, mercy, and grace. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.