Contentment

I say that I am trying to become the best version of me. I don't mean only physically, although that's how this started. I'm also working on my "self"--my emotional, mental, and spiritual self.

I heard an interesting quote about contentment the other day from John Maxwell. He said, "Contentment--the ability to know who you are, accept who you are, appreciate who you are, and value where you are in the journey--is very important to success." Where some people might think that being discontent will spur you on, he said that discontentment keeps you moving, but it doesn't keep you moving well.

That really struck home with me, just because I have had a hard time being content with some of my circumstances for the last several years. I always hear things about appreciating the journey, not the destination. If you're always looking to "arrive," I don't think you'll remain happy once you get there, you'll just look for the next big thing to come. Maxwell also said if you're happy on this part of your journey, that's just fuel to keep going.

I have been trying to write down at least 3 things each week that I am thankful for. Just that focus keeps me more positive, and helps me see even negative situations in a better light.

I also remembered a Bible verse that I have always liked. To me, these verses are the epitome of contentment, and trusting in God. Habakkuk 3:17&18, "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." I think that can be applied to modern situations, right? What situations could you put in there? Though I don't live in the house of my dreams, and my debt is really great...though I am still single, and see no prospects in sight...though I have little income coming in, and the market is going down...yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

It's easy to take time on Thanksgiving to be thankful for our blessings, but after that (especially as we face the commercialism that Christmas can bring), let's try to remain content with where we are AT THIS TIME.