I love to watch ducks and swans float by. They move about so majestically and effortlessly, that it attracts my attention every time I see them float by. Perhaps it is because I live in a city where wild ducks or swans are rare that I’ll always stop to watch them given the opportunity.
Now for those of you who see ducks more often, you might not pay too much attention to them. And you would probably know that swans and ducks are not all they seem to be. On the surface, the move about effortlessly but if you take a closer look, underwater, they are paddling furiously to get about. How hard by comparison, I’m not sure. Perhaps moving slowly would be like us humans having a leisurely stroll but if they spot food, the effort might just be like us having a mad dash.
People are the same too. Looks are deceiving and what we see on the outside might not be what’s happening beneath. Do you know of people, who seem to have it all? Those who have the looks, the money, the family background and connections? I’m sure we all have. Some times, don’t you just feel a bit envious? I know I have. You wonder how lucky they are, and say “How I wish my life is like that.â€
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, right? If you have lived a bit more and shared your life with others, you would probably know by now, that this is not true. You know that nobody’s life is perfect. Some one who has successful career could be a disaster at home, or someone who have a wonderful marriage, successful career, but then no children. Or someone who is struggling to put food on the table has half a dozen kids to feed. That would probably be the reality of life.
I managed to read Victory Over The Darkness by Dr. Neil T. Anderson last week while down with the flu. He wrote that after counseling countless people, those that look too good on the outside, usually only looks good. Beneath the surface, it could be a totally different picture. Just like the duck and the swan.
So many people are caught in the illusion that others have it better it makes us strive for an ideal that is not true and never will be true. The danger here is we go chasing after this illusion thinking that when we reach there, then life would be perfect. Since it is an illusion, we will never reach it! It is like the story of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If you go to the end of the rainbow, the tale is, you will find a pot of gold. If you don’t find it, it is on the other side of the rainbow. Forever you will be chasing the wrong end of it.
I’m not against improving our lives. Just remember to be grateful for what you already have and count your blessing. The more you feel blessed, you would give to others, and not wonder why the world to make you happy. And you know the more you give, the more you will receive.
Next time you see Mr. or Ms. Perfect Jones cruising down the street, remind yourself of everything you already have. An attitude of gratitude brings forth an abundant life, more than you can ever imagine.
You can check out his book over at Amazon.
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