Another winter is upon us and the streets in South Florida are filled with tourists enjoying the warm weather and basking in the sun. Meanwhile, Floridians who have traveled up north are sledding and skiing in the snow. The northerners are happily shvitzing. The southerners are happily shivering. It seems we all want what we do not have. Perhaps it is just human nature. Novelty is quite enticing.
Girls with straight hair take a perm. Those with curly hair have their tresses straightened. Top students often long to excel at sports. Jocks often wish that they could get better grades. The poor want to be rich. The rich want to be richer.
Our modern world and all of its innovations keep many on the edge of tantalizing possibility. We become bored and dissatisfied with our seemingly mundane lives. We seek something that is different because it seems better. The quest, however, often ends with deep disappointment. Satisfaction remains elusive.
Pirkei Avot has a solution for this dilemma. We are told, “Who is rich? He who is happy with his lot [in life].” Happiness is often a choice. When nothing will quench our desires, we still want more. The question becomes: Is it the most? The answer should be: It is enough.
Seeking a change of pace is a harmless and even healthy endeavor for a vacation. When the search turns into a frenzied chase, it becomes a detriment to the quality of life.
Enjoy the sunshine. Enjoy the snow. Enjoy what you do have. It’s all good.