I don’t know about you, but I have to struggle to stay content. Yes, I realize how horrible that sounds, but it is the truth.
For instance, we have wanted to own our own home for as long as I can remember. We spent years praying for our family’s permanent, stable home. Finally, after 11 years of marriage, everything lined up perfectly for us to purchase our first house. I can not even tell you how blessed the entire process was. The timing was perfect, the funds coming in at just the right time were perfect, and I am in love with where my home is. I finally have a homeschool room that is bigger than our last living and kitchen combined.
However, I quickly started to become discontent.
I wanted new blinds for the entire house. I wanted new bookshelves for the homeschool room. I wanted a ton of stuff for my flower beds. I want….I want….I want. I started to get so caught up in the “I wants” of life that I was forgetting to be thankful for where I was, and what I had.
Sometimes, we need to stop and smell the roses (that are already planted! haha) I tend to go from one finished project, straight into the next. No, there isn’t anything wrong with projects and wanting things around the house. It does become a problem, however, when we are always focused on the things we do not have. We need to stop and be thankful for what we have been blessed with, and content with the journey.
Is my house perfect? No! Is my house the most peaceful, and greatest thing I have ever purchased? Yes!
Also, when I start something, I like to jump in with both feet. I don’t like to do things halfway. I want everything to be perfect the moment I think it. Don’t we all? You can’t expect to have overnight success.
When I first started homeschooling I wanted everything to be perfect the very first day we started. Yeah, it doesn’t really work that way. If it did for you, then fantastic! I wish it would have been for me. Some things have a learning curve or time to get into a groove that works. It can be frustrating, especially if you lack patience, as I do. The journey can be one of the most amazing parts, if you will let it be.
1 Timothy 6:6~ Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. (NLT)
So right there with you! It’s nice to know that I don’t struggle alone, though. After years of hoping and praying we finally found our “dream farm” and I also have struggled being content with it – especially amidst so many challenges. Maybe it is something in the name? 🙂
Thank you for such a great reminder! Best of luck to you!