I never thought there was such a
thing as contentment. That is, until I
saw her.
I was at the park with my
children and this woman caught my eye.
She had a stroller full of plastic bags stuffed with clothes. She held a toddlers’ hand and it looked as if
she was expecting very soon. I was
uncertain if she was homeless, but I could tell that she didn’t have much.
I am
not one to stare but my eyes somehow forgot that fact. I was not being
judgmental, but instead, I was taken back by the joy on her face as she played
with her toddler. She seemed like a mom
who was doing her best teaching her child how to be content no matter the
circumstances.
I was in awe.
I later learned that she in fact was homeless
and had given birth. I could not stop
weeping and praying for her.
I pictured
that day at the park and asked myself, “Would I be able to teach my children
contentment in the midst of us living on the streets by day, homeless shelter
by night?” Another question quickly came, “Am I teaching my children
contentment in our life now?” A shameful no was the answer to both.
I knew God was giving me a lesson here. My hunt for contentment began.
I started with
the definition and found a version that made me wince. Here is my paraphrase: Not finding fault.
Ouch!
Lately, I have been finding fault with everything, from my
husband to the forest green carpet in our family room. Seriously, dark carpeting and small children do not mix well. Just sayin'.
My husband is by far the best man I
know and my children follow suite.
Finding fault with them was not something I normally did because I
thoroughly enjoy them. I knew it was time
to get to the bottom of my discontent and take action to change it.
Due to the nature of my husband’s business,
we move a lot. This is so unsettling for me.
Give me predictable any day. I laugh when I think of God’s sense of
humor though. He gave me a risk taker
for a husband and three children very close in age. I knew from the moment I met my husband that
he was far from predictable. And let’s face it; there is nothing predictable
about raising children.
God revealed to
me that my discontent was not with them, but with myself. My journey to contentment has started with
choosing to be thankful regardless of my circumstances and making a decision to
trust God everyday. This practice is not an easy thing for me. And unfortunately I fall short of gratitude almost daily.
But, I am inspired.
By observing that mom at the park, I know that contentment
is real. By putting my faith to action, I know contentment is
attainable.
...for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquited) in whatever state I am. Philippians 4;11 (AMP)
The learning part is easy. The doing...not so much. Thankfully I choose to look to a God that is stronger than my emotions and offers me victory, in every situation I face, through trusting Jesus.
