Each of us live pretty different lives than God’s people did 3000 years ago, but one similarity jumps off the page: we too look around, probably no more so than right now at the beginning of a new year, and say “life would be better if”. Every New year's resolution, or intention, or hopeful thought is about pursuing a better life. Whether we realize it or not, we are all in search of “the good life,” and the examples of the Israelites, Saul, and Samuel provide windows into how it is found: don't look over the fence, don't take matters into your own hands, and live the better story.