The Grass Is Always Greener? (Psalm 37:23–24)

Many years ago, I became increasingly unhappy with my position in my former pathology group. Although I was a full partner, I suspected there were unequal tiers of compensation. Whenever I raised the issue, the senior partners assured me that everyone was compensated equally. Still, something didn’t seem right.

I had expected to spend the rest of my career there, but eventually I realized it was time to move on. Over the next several months, I interviewed with several pathology groups. Many of them had excellent reputations, and I personally knew several of the physicians and decision-makers. I believed I was getting an honest look behind the scenes, and one particular group rose to the top of my list.

After much thought and prayer, however, I made a decision that surprised many people—I started my own laboratory. It was a decision I never regretted. Several years later, God confirmed that decision in an unexpected way.

One day, a pathologist who had recently left that very group called me. As we caught up, I mentioned that his former practice had been one of my top choices.

He laughed. “Boy, good thing you didn’t!”

He then described one problem after another. Office affairs. Racism. Misogyny. Financial inequities that were even worse than what I had experienced. There were even accusations of improper Medicare billing that had triggered a government investigation.

I was stunned. For months, I had imagined that joining that group would solve all of my problems. In one conversation, God reminded me how little I had actually known.

The old saying tells us, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” More often than not, we’re simply looking at someone else’s lawn from a distance. We see the green grass, but not the weeds. Every job, every relationship, and every season of life has struggles that are hidden from view.

Looking back, I realize that God wasn’t simply rescuing me from one difficult situation. He was directing my steps to something I could never have planned myself. At the time, I thought I was choosing between pathology groups. In reality, God was leading me somewhere entirely different.

How often do we envy someone else’s circumstances without knowing the burdens they carry? Rather than assuming that fulfillment lies somewhere else, perhaps we should first ask whether God is using our present circumstances—or quietly preparing us for something we cannot yet see.

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in His way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.
Psalm 37:23–24 (ESV)

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Sometimes, the greenest pasture is the one God has been leading us toward all along.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

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