The Grass May Be Greener, but Check the Water Bill
by Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar
You ever hear about that ancient myth where the earth rides on the back of a giant turtle? Whether it’s a fact or just a wild tale, the image sticks. A slow, steady creature carrying the world wherever it goes never stopping, never complaining. Some days, I feel like that turtle, hauling the weight of my own world while dreaming of a better one just over the horizon.
Why do we always think the grass is greener somewhere else? Is it curiosity? Restlessness? Or just that gnawing idea that life could be better if we had what they have? My grandmother had a sharp tongue and a sharper sense of humor. She’d smirk and say, “Baby, the grass might be greener over there, but you better ask to see the water bill before you leap.” And let me tell you, those words have saved me from plenty of bad decisions.
When life feels like every second is dragging, it’s easy to let your mind wander. You convince yourself that happiness is just on the other side of the fence, waving at you like an old friend. But here’s the thing: greener grass isn’t free. It takes work. Maybe it’s soaked in sweat, tears, or sacrifices no one talks about. Or maybe, it’s painted green just for show.
We’re so quick to envy what’s across the way that we forget to look down at our own patch of earth. And trust me, what you have might not look like much, but it’s worth a second glance. My grandmother, wise as ever, once told me, “If you want greener grass, start by pulling the weeds right where you’re standing.” She wasn’t wrong. The Creator doesn’t call us to hop fences chasing illusions but to work the soil beneath our feet with patience, faith, and love.
And here’s the kicker: sometimes, that shiny green grass hides a messy truth. I learned this lesson the hard way when I was younger. I’d see people with fancy cars and bigger homes, and I’d think, Man, they’ve got it made. Then one day, I heard that one of those “perfect” families was drowning in debt and barely speaking to each other. My grandmother’s voice rang in my ears: “That water bill ain’t cheap, is it?”
It’s not just about material things, either. Spiritually, we do the same thing. We chase fulfillment in everything but the Creator, thinking, If I just get this job, this relationship, this lifestyle, I’ll finally feel whole. But wholeness doesn’t come from “out there.” It comes from digging deep, staying rooted, and letting the Creator water your soul where you are.
My grandmother had a way of cutting through life’s nonsense. She’d say, “Don’t go chasing somebody else’s blessings. You don’t know what they had to lose to get them.” That’s the truth right there. Every blessing comes with its own price tag hidden or not.
And let’s not forget: the grass that looks so perfect from far away? Up close, it might be patchy, full of weeds, or even artificial. Social media makes this harder than ever. We scroll through highlight reels and forget they’re just that highlights. Nobody’s posting their worst days, their overdue bills, or their midnight tears.
The Creator, in infinite wisdom, didn’t place us here to covet someone else’s life. We’re here to water our own fields, to find joy in the little things, and to trust that what’s meant for us won’t miss us.
When I’m feeling stuck, I think back to my grandmother’s laughter. She’d joke, “If the grass looks too good to be true, it probably tastes like plastic.” It’s her way of saying that the Creator’s blessings for us are uniquely ours. No need to trade them for someone else’s artificial perfection.
So, if you’re staring over the fence, thinking the grass is greener, pause for a second. Look down at your own patch. It might not be perfect, but it’s yours. Start pulling the weeds, ask the Creator for rain, and trust that the grass beneath your feet can thrive. Just remember: greener grass often comes with a hefty water bill.
Author’s Note
This reflection is a heartfelt reminder to appreciate and nurture the blessings you already have. My grandmother’s humor and wisdom taught me that life isn’t about chasing what looks better it’s about finding joy in the work, the struggle, and the imperfections of our own lives. The Creator’s love is present, even in the weeds. May these words encourage you to tend your garden with gratitude, patience, and trust.
—Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar
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