IS GREENER PASTURE NECESSARILY A PLACE?

Oh yes, I can guess the first thought on your mind, “but you are not writing from Nigeria.” Yes. That’s correct, but I think I have a message that will be of help. There is a mystery I would like to unravel. I promise this will be an important read for you in 2024. I have read how the statement “looking for greener pasture” has dominated the conversation around immigration in this part of the world. But for a fact, that description becomes suitable to the reality of the “wilderness status” of the country and continent to growth, dreams and acceleration. And I know, everyone will choose an oasis over a wilderness. But to be honest, does greener pasture really mean a place? Should migration define greener pasture? Truthfully, for many who have migrated, their new places have become a place of greener pastures for them to flourish, but for some, it didn’t necessarily get greener even after many decades. Let me paint you a picture from one of my favorite Bible stories.

"Zacchaeus was a short man, a dwarf," must have been a perfect description. But on one occasion, he knew Jesus was in town, and he felt the “need” to see him. But one thing was certain: he knew that if he stayed amidst the crowd, he would never get to see Him. And what did he do? He sought a greener pasture! He climbed a tree. Greener pastures are not necessarily places. It is REPOSITIONING. An act of strategically positioning yourself for opportunities to find, placing yourself where you find the connection and network to rewrite your story. Zacchaeus was, before that encounter, an ordinary, rich tax collector. But afterward, he must have been described as the tax collector who hosted Jesus.

Undoubtedly, your “greener pasture” can be your new job, your new degree, your new partner, and evidently, your new location. However, do not forget the popular saying, “the grass is greener when you water the ground”. No green grass grows by default. If you migrate with no skills or value, there is no way ‘your grass’ will become greener. Green grass is a function of watering it. They remain green when you don’t allow weeds to grow amidst them or let animals feed on them. Your ‘grass’ will also remain green if you don’t let people talk you down, if you don’t let people speak you out of your dreams, and if you don’t let anyone feed your fears and make you feel like you are not enough. Water your grass with wit, confidence, and focus, regardless of where it is growing. Your green pasture can grow in Africa or Europe or Asia. As much as location may play a role, you are at the core of it. God has empowered you to do certain things. Water your ground, that is the only way it can become greener!

Peace.