Is the Grass Always Greener?

  One of the first things I remember reading about when we were considering goats as our next farm animal was a magazine article about the nearly impossible task of keeping goats fenced in.  I really had a hard time believing it was that difficult--until we got goats.  Even if you have the most lush, green, delicious looking grass and what appears to be a nice secure fence, they will find a way to escape because for some reason the grass always "looks" greener on the other side of the fence.
   We are in our 8th year of raising goats, and we still battle their discontentment and their rebel spirits.  Then with this thought in mind, I wonder how I must appear to God.  He has provided me with all of creation to enjoy, a Son who gave His life for me, so many promises in His word, and the hope of a future home in Heaven for all of eternity.  Yet, I still want more at times.  I still see what others have and think, "Hey, that looks better than what I've got.  I want that!"  I am still needy and discontent.  I am still looking for more.
   Then, I am reminded of what we do when our goats get out.  We don't let them go.  We care enough about them to not let them wander away into danger and mischief.  We even "discipline" them sometimes by showing them that the electric fence really does work.  They may never understand this type of protection or even praise us for how wonderfully we provide for them.  They may only see this as a hindrance to freedom because our plans probably make no sense to them.
   All of this sounds so familiar to me.  God doesn't leave His children alone to wander into danger and mischief without drawing them to Himself (John 10:27-29).  Sometimes He even disciplines His children because He loves them (Hebrews 12:6,10).  We don't always understand this because His ways are so much greater than ours (Isaiah 55:9).
   Maybe our goats will continue to escape to eat the grass on the outside of their fence which is exactly the same as the grass inside their fence, but if this helps me to examine my contentment and remember to praise God for His many blessings, then I guess it is necessary. I think I will forever need Paul's reminder in Philippians:..for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.  I know how to get along with humble means, and I know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both having abundance and suffering need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  And my God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:11-13, 19)
   I still might battle discontentment because of my fleshly "wants", but I can trust the promise that He will meet all of my needs.

"I only look content, but we all know that looks can be deceiving.
 I'm actually about to escape!"

This look means "Ha! Ha!This fence is no match for me."

"I'd rather play pickle ball than eat grass inside my fence."

"I'm not a goat, but I have contentment issues too!"

The Beginning

We began farming in the spring of 2005 with two tiny banty chicks.  Within the next few days, we added to our flock, and then we were officially farmers.  Dusty's first hope for our farm was that the kids would learn how to be responsible in caring for something and knowing that it depended on them.  Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

Even though this verse speaks of people, a farm full of animals is a great place to begin understanding that life is more about serving others and not thinking only of your own needs.