Too many too often covet another’s family. “If only my wife would act that way.” “If only my children were that well behaved.” “If only my husband was as attentive as her husband.” “If only my parents were that cool.”

Two things have been evident in my experience. 1) Rarely will you see the ugly of other families ... only the dressed up, shiny, face that is put on for the public. All families have struggles. Functional families work hard at facing and overcoming them! 2) Instead of looking to walk in another person’s yard, tend to your own yard. If your grass is not as green as you would like, water it! Put as much energy as you do wishing into doing and you will find that your family is everything you need it to be and then some. Coveting another’s family always ends badly and, though the grass might seem greener, rarely is it so. “Let your conduct be without covetousness, be content with such things as you have” (Heb. 13:5a).