Contentment

For some time I have felt a need to grow in contentment. Contentment with what I have, contentment with where I am in life, contentment with myself, contentment in most everything.

I am continually wanting more, better and different.

I have been meditating in the verses from Philippians 4:10-13


¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 

I had ordered a Bible study book called "Calm My Anxious Heart " by Linda Dillow- not realizing it was also based on these verses. 


A friend of my just started leading a Bible study on Philippians. 


Over and over God has bring reminding me he wants to do something in my heart and life. 


I started reading this book and every page seems to speak straight to my heart. 


I am confused as a Mom. 


I KNOW that being a Mom is a good and high calling. I KNOW being at home is what is best for my kids. Yet I feel discouraged and feel I should be doing SOMETHING more in life. It is as if cultural expectations and desires creep into my thoughts. 


I find myself growing discontent being at home as a Mom. I feel I should be working, earning money, using my skills as an English teacher, ministering somewhere, doing something important. 


Yet at moments when my worry is gone and my thoughts clear I know I am doing something important, and there is nothing more important just now than raising my kids and living the life God has given me. 


I sometimes feel as if someone is trying to gyp me from enjoying and thriving where I am right now. Satan is certainly crafty in trying to get us to be discontent doing the things God intends for us. 

 In the posts to come I hope to share what I am learning from my book and the thoughts I am dwelling on. 


How do you deal with discontent? 


Chapter 1 had a recipe for contentment from a missionary who served in Africa 50+ years. (From Calm my Anxious Heart-by Linda Dillow)

• Never allow yourself to complain about anything, not even the weather.
• Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or some place else. 
• Never compare your lot with another's 
• Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise. 
• Never dwell on tomorrow- remember that (tomorrow) is God's, not ours.

 Wow, do I ever fall short here! Since reading this I have been challenged to work on my attitude! 

Other Than an iPOD

I want an iPOD- the reasons are numerous. But my top reasons are: 

• to record my baby's monthly achievements and be able to show him later in life.
• use Skype to talk family an ocean away. 
• listen to music

However, my husband thinks I don't need one and that I should get something better IF I were to get one- because iPODs don't support flash, etc. Besides, can we really afford it?

Needless to say I have been brewing over this, as days and cute moments pass unrecorded for future enjoyment. Today I was suddenly reminded of the things I can do WITHOUT an iPOD. 

• I can write more in my baby's journal- recording his sounds, emotions, and attitudes. 
• I can become a better writer by learning to capture all of these special moments with words rather than with a video camera. 
• I can learn to observe more deeply and with my heart. Recording these precious moments where they will never dissapear- in my thoughts and mind. 
• I can write letters to my loved ones and use snail mail, who doesn't love a real letter? (Not much time for this hobby though). 
• I can write e-mails. It seems FB is replacing good old-fashioned e-mail.
• I can use the radio. 
• I can think and pray in silence or sing :) 
• I can learn to be content with what I have (even when wanting something new, modern and perhaps even necessary).

How about you? How do you to deal with all your wants and unmet desires? What is your key to contentment?