Stop Running

When is the last time you wanted something someone else had? How did it make you feel? What did you think? Did you go out and purchase the same item? If you did, did it validate you? If you didn't, did you envy the person who had what you desired?

If I were to ask society if they were thankful for what they have in life, most people would say yes. Out of the millions of people who would say "yes," how many are lying? I cannot give a valid answer, but I am certain that at least one person has lied. Yes, you guessed it. It's me.

This morning, I was on my way to a meeting. I drove in a warm, toasty car. My car functions properly. I had on gloves to keep my hands from feeling like they were in the freezer. I should be thankful that my basic survival needs were met. All of a sudden, I felt something weird. I knew the feeling because I had felt it in the past. It annoyed me all the way to my meeting. Can you guess what the feeling was? No? It was a hole in the big toe of my right sock. Ahh!!!

Many people I know would find this to be annoying. It doesn't seem like a big deal. Throw the socks away and purchase a new pair. As I thought about the hole in my sock, I realized that I actually had a pair of socks to wear. I can only envision how many people, around the world, who do not have socks to wear. At the time of the annoyance, it seemed like a big deal. As I reflect on it, it's petty.

The hole in my sock taught me a valuable lesson. I should be happy with what I have instead of wanting what other people have. I may not have what I want in life right now, but I can be happy with what I have till I get there. It's not about keeping up with the Jonses. It is about doing what's right for me and being happy with what I have.