Friday, August 28, 2009
Contentment
I know I know!! It's just been on my mind so much lately!
Sometimes I feel guilty because I want things or I get restless because it seems like Jon and I should be getting further in life (a better car, two cars, a house, etc). If I stop and think about it, I KNOW that since I'm still in school and only working part time and things being difficult for everyone everywhere, that we're doing well for our age. We have a nice apartment, a working car, and so many material things. . . And then I feel bad for saying things to Jon about it because I know he works hard to provide and we never really go without!
So I've been trying to focus on Phi 4:11 - "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
For me it's more like "...for I [am learning] in whatsoever state I am in, therewith to be content."
I guess the good news is that I am aware and working at it! Thoughts??
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3 comments:
We find ourselve often praying for the spirit of contentment and the perspective to really, really be grateful for what we have. Not to have a "devil made me do it" kind of mentality but I think the world we live in lends to that feeling of always needing more, better, bigger, sooner etc. and I don't think we CAN of ourselve change that, but I think God can/does adjust our perspective and can give a deep, true contentment...but I think even that is often a daily step and not a one time..."well thank goodness I will forever be content now" Anyway, that is my soap box for the day :-)
I think one big factor is that there is such a fine line between hopes/dreams and discontentment. I find myself always looking forward to the next event (fun thing, holiday, trip, etc.) and I think it's the hopes and dreams for our future that keep us going sometimes but you have to be careful not to fall into discontentment. I just told Kevin the other day that I feel torn because I always get so anxious for things (for instance a b.day trip to Disney for me in Oct. and Christmas etc.) and in that sense, you want time to go fast but then I look at Kaelyn and I realize I don't want time to go any faster and as much as I look forward to things in the future, I don't want to spend so much time hoping for what the future will bring that I don't get the full blessing and joy out of life today.
(So there are my thoughts on it.) :)
It really is an awesome thing when you can give your "want list" over to God and watch him fulfill those as you try to use your time and resources in a way that's pleasing to him.
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