This Scripture has been on my heart for several days now. What stands out to me the most is that Paul didn't just instantly become content, he had to learn to be content. I think that God is teaching me this, and I must admit that it's not an easy lesson. While I do know what it is to be in need and what it is to have plenty, and I even know the secret of being content. The secret is thankfulness. The secret is choosing to be content, even if situations aren't ideal. It's choosing to be thankful for what you have, instead of wishing things were different.
What does that look like to me? It means:
...being thankful for our pets, even though I don't like caring for them. It's choosing to be thankful for my husband who loves animals, instead of upset about the hair on the rug, the poop in the litter box and the algae in the fish tank.
...being thankful that my children are creative when they make a big mess, instead of feeling putout by it.
...being thankful God made the seasons, even when I have to go out early in the morning and shovel the sidewalk and clean off the car.
...being thankful for my family when I have to clean up the living room, again. It means choosing to be thankful for hungry people when I have to cook dinner, wash the dishes, and go grocery shopping (my least favorite thing to do).
...being thankful for little legs that run and play when I have to mend another pair of pants with holes in the knees.
...being thankful for food to eat, instead of grumbling about the mess in the kitchen, or spilled milk on the floor.
...being thankful for the time with my children when homeschooling them, instead of upset with their poor attitudes about learning.
...being thankful for a house full of love, even when I can't remember the last time I had a full nights sleep, a moment to myself, or a shower without someone banging on the door.
This list could go on and on, but I think you get the point. What does learning to be content look like in your life?
Something we all need to learn... Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I am working on this right now, too. It is not easy, just like you said. I wish I could ask for contentment and poof, there it was. For me, I am learning to be content in the living situation we are in (with my parents, in a semi-converted garage apartment). I am constantly butting heads with my father and wanting to up and leave because I am not happy. But God is having me work on my relationship with my dad and fleshing out all the bad attitudes I have about him. I need to make a list of what I am thankful for like you did! God bless!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Heather! Thanks so much for sharing the reality and the Godly focus to change it. :) It's amazing that when we stop focusing on ourselves (I have to clean this, I have to do this) and focus on the blessings God gives us (we have so much), how much more cheerful and content we can be. I still struggle with this, but continue to reach out to God to remind me to change that focus! He's so faithful to provide!
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