The Greatest Gift You Give Yourself
I remember the years when I felt like I was constantly chasing something. I wanted a bigger home so my children would each have their own room. Wouldn’t it be nice to have more land for the kids to run around and explore? Oh to have the extra cash for the kids to participate in extra-curricular lessons like music or gymnastics. Life would be much easier if only we lived close enough to have our groceries delivered. This sort of list goes on and on.
It created in me this feeling that I was displaced. Somewhere along the way Heavenly Father taught me the one gift I could give to myself and it would cover all things. This gift was contentment. I have no idea the dictionary definition for this word. I didn’t bother to look when sitting down to write this post. For me, contentment means living in gratitude and feeling fulfilled with whatever I have now and however things are in this moment.
Contentment is a foundation for peace. Contentment settles a restless heart. Contentment lets you truly love and appreciate the tiny home that keeps your kids safe and warm. You realize there is probably a hundred things you can do without getting that degree you don’t have time or money to earn right now. And those extra-curricular lessons? There’s so many ways you can explore learning new things right at home especially if you have the internet or a community library.
The best part, resting in contentment is contagious to people you love the most.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t pursue opportunity when it comes knocking. In the meantime, while you wait, you can gift yourself contentment.
Philippians 4:11-13 – The Apostle Paul writes, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”