I’d be content if I just had…
Everything would be perfect, if I could just get…
Yeah, my life is okay, but their life is better.
Do any of these statements sound familiar to you? If so, then welcome to the human race. We all struggle with feelings of contentment. Sometimes it is plain hard to celebrate what we do have because often our focus is on all that we don’t have. There’s no better time to stop and remind ourselves that it is important to give thanks than right NOW. Let me explain…
The most common phrase in the Bible is Give thanks to the Lord. I don’t find this to be coincidental. God created us and knows that we struggle with contentment and thanksgiving. God knew we would need reminders of His faithfulness, provision, and control in our lives. If we are honest with ourselves and with Him, then we would have a totally different approach and outlook on life. We would see His goodness and just how blessed we really are—far and above what we really need. However, we find ourselves instead always wanting just a little bit more. Or, we focus solely on that next stage in life where then we would be thankful.
The truth is: contentment and thankfulness start now. Today. It is a choice we make to be thankful for what we do have and where we are. It’s putting aside material items, sums of money, or other things we don’t have and celebrating, savoring, and relishing what we do have. It is taking a look at those loved one around you and rejoicing for their presence in your life. It’s taking a deep breath and realizing you have lungs to breath in life. It’s stopping to notice, appreciate, and express gratitude to and for the people and things we already have been blessed with in our lives.
We will always be tempted to think that contentment will come when we get there, but there will always be another there luring us in its direction, stealing our gratitude and joy for here. Contentment is here not there. It is a decision we must all make to stop wanting what we don’t have and start wanting what we do have. Philippians 4:11 says, “…I have learned to be content with whatever I have.” This Thanksgiving, take control of your contentment, and make the decision to be thankful for all blessings in your life.
