The Best Way to Make Workers Miserable Is To Satisfy All of Their Demands



In Little Women Mrs March tells this story to her daughters:  Once upon a time, there were four girls who had enough to eat and drink and wear, a good many comforts and pleasures, kind friends and parents--and yet they were not content, always wishing for something more.  Finally they asked an old woman for advice.  "when you feel discontented," she told them, "think over your blessings, and be grateful."

They decided to try her advice and were surprised to see how well off they were.  One girl discovered money couldn't keep shame and sorrow out of rich people's houses.  Another learned she was a great deal happier with her youth, health, and good spirits than a certain fretful, feeble old lady who couldn't enjoy her comforts.  The third found that, disagreeable as it was to help get dinner, it was harder still to have to go begging for it.  The fourth girl learned that even carnelian rings were not so valuable as good behavior.  So they agreed to stop complaining and to enjoy the blessings they already possessed.

Wanting something does not mean it's best for us.  If you want to be content, learn to be grateful for what you have.

Be content with what you have.

Hebrews 13:5

The Grass May Be Greener on the Other Side



But it still has to be mowed.


Several years ago, a newspaper cartoon was drawn of two fields divided by a fence.  Both were about the same size, and each had plenty of lush green grass.

Each field had a mule whose head stuck through the wire fence, eating grass from the other's pasture.  The neighboring field seemed somewhat more desirable--even though it was harder to reach.

In the process, the mules' heads became caught in the fence.  They panicked and brayed uncontrollably at being unable to free themselves.  The cartoonist wisely described the situation with one caption:  "DISCONTENT."

Like the mules, when we focus on what we don't have we become blinded to the blessings which surround us.  There is nothing wrong with desiring something, but to think life is easier in someone else's pasture may not be true.  Besides, no matter whose pasture we are in, we will always have to deal with the attitudes of our own heart.

Be content with such things as ye have.

Hebrews 13:5