Faithbase

Today we're going to be talking about the greener grass over the fence. Last week I was having my monthly meeting with the editors of the channel. One is in the Philippines, Matt, and the other one is in Argentina, Rafael. And by the way, they're doing a great job in assembling this video, so shout out to them. One of them will be relocating to Spain to start a new life. And since we were discussing potential topics for this particular channel, the subject of greener grass elsewhere, or a restart, kind of caught my attention. Now, five years ago, I was invited at a university down in southern Italy to discuss part of my life when I was 18 years old, and I left Italy for the USA. Now, the group of students that was listening, they were between 20 and 25 years old, and they were all eager to conquer the world. But uncertain about their proper attributes to conquer it. So unfortunately, this is another subject. How many fathers groom and give the stamp of approval upon their boys, so that they feel like warriors equipped for the battle of life? Or how many fathers give a sense of worth to their girls, so that they know that they are worthy to be fought for and pursued for the right reasons? I know I'm getting off on a different topic here, but anyways, I cannot expect the university to prepare you for life, especially these days. That is something that should start and take place in the home. So, we discussed with these kids, you know, the reason why they wanted to leave southern Italy, you know, their area and migrate to the northern part or to Europe or some other places. And the most common reasons were, we are seeking for opportunities, for a better lifestyle, for new excitements, for a reset, a rebirth. And all those reasons were valid because in southern Italy, things are somewhat limited. However, as a visionary, I've always been of the idea that exploiting inefficiencies and providing what is missing right where you are can prove very successful. In a few words, if it's not there, create it. Remember that the grass is greener because someone is watering it. And if you don't have water, then start a cactus garden. Too often, we find ourselves complaining about the now or reminiscing with nostalgia the past to the point that we miss the present. And that's a shame on us. God has not awakened you this morning so that you can frown upon the day. I love these verses. One is in Psalm 118.24, it says, This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Now, my wife reminds me often of this verse. So, enjoy the blessing of each day. Rejoice and be glad. Speak graciously to others. Make the most of every opportunity. Make the best use of your time. Another one is Ephesians 5, 15, 16. Be very careful, then, how you live. Not as unwise, but as wise. Making the most of every opportunity. Indeed, some places seem to offer so much more at times. I, for one, want to live by the ocean or by the sea. Why? Because I love spearfishing. I love freediving. Or I just love to stare at the immensity, at the vastness of the water. But, and this is key, I learn to be content with the hills, with the green that is surrounding me right now. And no water nearby, because the closest one is about a seven-hour drive. And nowadays, locations for the sake of business do not seem to be so critical because of remote working opportunities. However, some problems like crime and weather or pollution or overcrowding could easily turn us off and justly make us wish for another place. Guys and gals, unfortunately, we live in a broken world that at times seems to test us beyond our capabilities. Raphael, the video editor that I was mentioning, said that he feels he does not belong where he is. And perhaps you feel the same way. However, remember that there is something inside of us that makes us feel like sojourner while we are here on Earth. I often feel that I will never be satisfied on this side, because my spirit is the one that is screaming from within because it longs to be reunited with the Heavenly Father in a permanent home. Hebrews 11.13 says, They agree that there were foreigners and nomads here on Earth. Obviously, people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. So guys, our city is elsewhere. Our home is elsewhere. And when we put it in perspective, maybe with some of Paul's input from 2 Corinthians 5, we know that this body is a temporary tent while we live here on Earth. And our permanent home is awaiting in Heaven. And yet, we become so preoccupied, even obsessed, in making these tents look like a home. When was the last time that you saw someone bring paintings, or furniture, or silverware, exercise equipment in a tent for the weekend? That's insane, right? Well, that's what we do. We build here instead of there. So in conclusion, there is something that is much greener over the fence. But the fence is not your neighbor's fence. It is much higher. Therefore, in the meantime, work to the best of your abilities to make your surrounding the best that you can make it. Because if your negative attitude is what makes you want to search for another place, just remember that you will be taking that same attitude with you wherever else you go. Thank you. Ciao.