being content
I was playing a game with some friends the other night and one of us picked up a card with the question, “What is your biggest regret?” Oof.
Anyone else like me thinking of about 20 regrets off the top of their head?
That has been my biggest roadblock to being content lately. We all struggle with it. Giving thanks sounds really easy until you are at a point in your life where everything is crashing in on you. I am at a point in my life that I have dreamed of being at for years. I still don’t wake up with the gratitude I should. Why? Because it is in our human nature to keep wanting more, to feel like there is something else that is better. I just moved to the northeast after living in the midwest for 10 years. I have wanted to move back for a really long time and now I am here. I am surrounded by lifelong friends and extended family. I should be waking up with a smile on my face and falling asleep at ease. Instead, all I have been able to think about are my friends in Springfield or the big life changes I have endured. I ask myself at least ten times everyday, “Did I make the right decision? Why do I miss this person so much? Will this pain go away?” There is only one way to respond to these questions, and it is not a direct answer. GOD WORKS ALL THINGS FOR GOOD. If I made the wrong choice he works it all for good, if I miss someone or something that I can’t have he will work those feelings for good. The pain I am enduring, he will work it for good!!! All we can do is trust God.
I will leave you with a text my dad sent me this morning and a scripture to meditate on.
“Being content is a learning process and you will get there. It takes time with the Lord to learn and to see all that He has done, is doing, and will do for you.
Be thankful for the opportunities and provision God has provided for you. When your bank account is low, look around at all you have and be thankful for it.
You and I are a lot alike. We like to have fun and do meaningful things and the day to day can seem boring and monotonous to us.
I’ve found that the more active things, as opposed to passive things, we can do the better. For example, social media or watching tv is passive (we scroll or sit but don’t participate) and when we’re done we feel like we’re missing out or that we want more so we binge but it doesn’t help. Active things like reading a good book on leadership or exercising is an active thing we can do to improve our lives and feel better about ourselves. Obviously the Bible is a good option too. 😉 Just wanted to share some wisdom I’ve gained over the years from the failures I’ve faced. Remember, failure isn’t final if we learn from it and it helps us to grow.”
Philippians 4:11-13
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Praying for you friends,
