On a very regular basis, I tell Daisy, “You can’t have all the bones!  You have to share with Winnie.”  As you can see in the picture, she has 3 of the 4 in her pile.  And she had just been scolded for trying to take the last one from Winnie.  This is a daily occurrence at my house.

I want to get frustrated with Daisy because she NEVER LEARNS that she doesn’t get to have EVERYTHING.  And specifically – whatever her sister might have.  And yet, this routine does provide a certain entertainment value for me!

Even though I wonder why Daisy can’t quite understand this concept after so many years of correction, I had to stop and ask myself the very same question.  How often have I said (mostly to myself), “I want what you have?”

In this particular season of widowhood, and the few years leading up to it, where my life has changed pretty drastically, I find myself longing for the things others still have.  They still have a husband; they still go on vacations with him; they still have holiday gatherings with their family; they still go out for Valentine’s Day; they still have someone to process their day with; they still have someone to share their highs and lows with.  I could go on and on.

So, I admit to wanting these things that others have.  Seriously, I’m no better than Daisy!

I need a constant reminder, it seems, to remember that the life I’m living right now is EXACTLY the life God has planned for me.  I’m fully aware of the inevitability of trials in our lives – some minor, some devastating.  It’s part of the fabric of life in this fallen world.

Clearly, I’ve seen God work through my trials – and have written about that often.  So the fact that my “go-to” response continues to be, “I want what you have,” means my thinking needs tweaking once again!  Seems I’m doing that a lot lately…

Here’s where I’m trying to focus:  I’m grateful for the life God gave me with Dale.  I’m grateful for the blessings He continues to bestow on me even now.  I’m grateful for the people in my life who lift me up when I’m down.  I’m beyond grateful to be a child of God who is loved beyond measure.  And I’m eternally grateful for the hope of heaven through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

What about you?  Do you want what others have?  If you do, I’d say you’re in pretty good company!  However, I’d encourage you to look at how your life has been blessed.  Or look to see how God wants to refine you and yes, improve you, through your difficulties.

We only get one shot at this earthly life.  Don’t waste time and energy wishing you had what others have.  Embrace the life God has given you – and be content with one or two bones!

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Philippians 4:12