Contentment

October 12, 2012

Sometimes I catch myself sliding down the slippery slope of discontentment, and when I start the decent it is very difficult to catch myself. Yesterday, I was reminded that I am not alone. I started off the morning with a spiritual gathering of parents at the boy’s school. Many, including me, shared struggles we face as parents, many rooted in discontentment. Later I met my dad for breakfast, and he shared his grief over losing my mom and his fear of never finding happiness again. Later that afternoon, I met with another small group of friends for coffee where they also expressed their desire for contentment and peace.

 

It was a great day of sharing and listening and what I realized this morning is that even though all of the people I heard from yesterday have very different lives – some are very wealthy, while others are not, some are very fit and healthy, some not, some are overwhelmed with many children and some are desperate for more – they all experience discontentment. Everyone was different and yet so much the same. Yesterday was more than enough evidence for me that peace is NOT about circumstances.

 

I thought I might share a few of the things that help me as I continue to search for peace and contentment.

 

  • Focus on what you do have and who you already are.  A wise friend once taught me that whatever I focus on increases.

 

  • Remember we all struggle with contentment. What others portray on the exterior may not be an accurate picture of what is on the inside. I have found my only shot of getting to know another’s heart is to risk sharing mine first.

 

  • Ask for God’s help and be thankful for all the opportunities He may allow for you to practice contentment. Like Paul shares in Philippians 4:12-13 “In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” I’ve never learned anything without practice!

 

So in the spirit of never feeling alone, leave a comment and share with me the things that bring you peace.  I can’t wait to hear from you!