Upon having a taste of the yard just beyond the gate, Tilly is no longer satisfied with her small, fenced in area of green space.
She wants more.
Interpretation #1: Tilly is suffering from envy and discontent. Rather than being happy with what she has been given, she longs for what she cannot have.
Interpretation #2: Tilly is longing for a better world. She knows she lives in the confines of The Fenced in Area, but she knows there is more. She lives with the expectation that someday she will be in the Big Yard again.
What fence are you looking through? Discontent? or Longing for Something More?
Bradley — I think maybe discontent and longing do come from the same place – but one is born out of grumbling and one out of gratitude. Just a thought.
I appreciate your comment.
Shel – My view changes by the day, too. Sometimes within the same day. Hope you are looking heavenward today!
Ann — I think that says it best!
Laura — Yes, she is pretty pitiful, isn’t she? I see myself taking both views, too.
Glynn — You’re right. In fact, when I first saw her staring out beyond the fence, I immediately thought of the discontentment. Because that’s what is usually going on in my heart. But as I kept thinking about it, I realized there is a deeper longing in my heart, too.
For all I know, Tilly just likes looking at the dog next door!
I always thought of discontent and longing as coming from the same place inside. But maybe you are right, they are two sides of the coin? Discontent can keep us down, depressed in inertia, while longing can mobilize us towards some greater good…
Interesting distinction.
I love this Char! It depends on the day which view I take! Thanks for the reminder (and the precious picture!)
Wide open spaces.
Poor little Tilly looks so forlorn sitting there. Admitting–some days I take both views.
Tilly sounds just like us. Just like us.