I need to be more content.
I say this all the time to myself. I say it when I'm doing laundry like I have everyday for the past couple years. I say it when I'm staying home and others are going out. I say it when I miss the climax of the sermon because #33 appeared on the nursery call sign in the sanctuary... again.
I say it a lot. And it's good to say.
But I say it a lot because I think my life is hum-drum a lot. And that's wrong.
Yesterday I realized just how wrong. I saw how hum-drum my life isn't supposed to be. And I was convicted when he said that monotony has nothing to do with the place (geographic or season) I'm in and everything to do with my place (relationship) with Him.
It was a great word for everyone, in any season at any time. One of his best (in a catalog of how many bests?...:) ) Always a good thing to remember that He is the one that makes the difference, not the greener grass on the other side.
ReplyDeleteLove you - and your monotonous life with all those wonderful kids and hubby!
You should come over! Just wait till 5:30 when I am back from work and have all the pictures hung and stuff, k?
ReplyDeleteJust having my family over and maybe our Pastor and his wife and baby girl too. Going to make an ice cream cake someone else likes to make. Having sloppy Joes (in the crock pot), a simple salad and chips. Nothing huge or crazy exciting. I think we are going to have a fall theme. Maybe we will pick up some apple cider to kick off autumn. I love this time of year. It is great fun. Hayrides. Sweaters. Jeans. So much fun. How have you been?
ReplyDeleteAndrea
It's all about perspective, huh. I tend to compare when I shouldn't, but I think how your life is so much more busy and interesting, having such a big extended family, that all seem to like each other even! You'll always have someone to call. And you get more comments on your website than anyone else I've seen!!! Remember some people look at you and think you have it all!!
ReplyDeleteYour comment at the end is really good, I have to remember that too.
I have a sign on my wall that says, "Happiness is getting what you want. Contentment is wanting what you already have." When I find myself discontent (which can be often) I start saying aloud to myself, "I WANT this washing machine! I want that pair of socks. I want these diapers, and no other brand. I really appreciate this dishsoap. Boy am I glad I have these walls to put this picture on. I'm so thankful that I have this church family, istead of some other family that I don't even know."
ReplyDeleteI'm a complex feeler, but a simple thinker. I need things plain and easy to practise. I could easily start thinking, "Gee, I would really be happy if I was as slim as Brietta after having three babies." But it's far better for me to say, "I like my body because Sonny likes it and it produces cute babies whom I love. And God made me this way... mine is the only body I want."
Ahhhh, contentment.
(though I really could use a diet... LOL! I have an apron that says, "I'm on a 30 day diet and have lost 10 days.")
Thanks for some insight. Sometimes you just get in a rut of frustration and forget how simple the Spirit really is.
ReplyDeletePhysically I'm feeling much better since last week. Emotionally it is really one day at a time. God is great and his grace has been amazing. His glory is definately being seen.
'Tis true. I can't say I haven't set my own traps (the humane kind that don't work, and then considered getting the sticky traps... but we're depending on the cat right now, who tortures the mice and then we chuck the mangled-but-still-alive mouse into the freezer for morning disposal). I guess because they were babies, with their eyes still closed, and totally infringed upon at their nice cement block in the middle of the field... I felt responsible, if not compassionate. But if they die, they die. And I probably won't cry.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you need a visit from Pastor Daniel to help put things permanently into perspective. You know, starving orphaned children, AIDS/HIV virus everywhere, rebel soldiers attacking your village on any given night (chopping off limbs and murdering the women and children), corrupt government that confiscates (steals) things that have been donated for your church right at customs, etc, etc. Wow~ perspective. And for the record, I don't know you that well, but you don't seem discontented. I'll take your word for it if you think you have to grow in there area. After all, can't we all? (well, not me of course- but other people!) ha ha
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment on Nicole's site--
ReplyDeleteGreatly appreciated =)