I just finished a wonderful book by Randy Pausche entitled The Last Lecture. It is about a man who is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A naturally upbeat go-getter, Pausche discusses the lessons that he's learned in life in the form of a last lecture that he gives to faculty and staff at Carnegie-Mellon.
I am impressed with Pausche's outlook on life. His life has been full and satisfying because he has taken advantage of each day. In contrast, much of my own life has been spent looking over the fence at the neighbor's yard, wishing that mine was at least as good as his instead of bettering my own. It's human nature to think that someone else has it better than us and that no one else seems to experience problems or disappointments.
And so, I propose this truth: the secret to the "good" life is being content with where we are at.
I have always been impressed with the mountains of the West. Soaring above the earth, their rugged peaks and jagged facade boast a certain austerity that is both majestic and awe-inspiring. But although the towering mountains demand respect, what is even more impressive to me is the humble tree or shrub sprouting out of the rocky surface. Somehow, some way, these trees and shrubs take hold of the poor, rocky, inhospitable soil and grow. Their tenacity adds beauty and richness to the otherwise dull facade of the mountain.
Some of us are like the mountains--gifted, talented, impressive, and popular. Some of us are like the trees or shrubs--small, unnoticed, unappreciated. Whoever we are or wherever we stand in life, we are to be content with life. We must make the best of our situation. We must find a way to flourish, no matter how difficult the challenge.
In short, I can really only ever control my own backyard, as green or desirable as yours may be.
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