Discontentment.  That isn’t a very pretty word, is it?  Do you know what the definition is in Webster’s?  “The condition of being dissatisfied with one’s life or situation”.  YIKES! I have been finding myself in a “I have so much to do” mode that I find myself not appreciating life on a daily basis. SO WRONG!!!  Or I find myself saying “Once I get done with this, I. . .”.  I am soooo convicted.  I realize that my outlook hasn’t been right. . .and it comes down to a heart issue.  I posted this quote on my facebook page yesterday and it got the most “likes” I’ve ever gotten on a post, so I know it struck home with many people.

“I do solemnly resolve to embrace this current season of life and will maximize my time in it.

I will resist the urge to hurry through or circumvent any portion of my journey but will live with a spirit of CONTENTMENT!”

When I read this in the book, The Resolution for Women, I was hit between the eyes. . .that is what my issue is right now! I have not been content. I’ve been so overwhelmed with life and all that needs to be checked off the list that I am not content right where I am at.  Then I read the following and WOW!!!

“I recognized that by rushing through life, I’d been subtly devaluing those around me and the experiences I was involved in, not appreciating the importance and significance they bring to my life at this very moment, not grasping my RESPONSIBILITY for holding dear and treating well these GIFTS God has entrusted to me.” 

It is a responsibility. I have an obligation to be content with the gifts that God has given me. For me that means, my sweet husband and  four amazing children.  It means homeschooling. It means taking care of my home.  It means my photography business. It means Delight and being part of teen girls lives.  It means A LOT!  But, I have to remember that God has given these things to me as a present in my life. . .in the present moment. I need to embrace this time.  Let me be real. . .I got pretty overwhelmed this summer with everything on my plate.  It just seemed too much.  One morning when I was spending time with Jesus, I felt him say to me “INVEST with who I put into your life, have INTEGRITY with what you do and be INTENTIONAL with your time.”

And while I am investing, having integrity and being intentional, I will be content.  That is so easy to say. . .much more difficult to live out on an hourly basis.  But at least I have a goal to focus on, right? :)  Our society says to us that there is always something else, something more, some additional requirements we need before we can start to enjoy our lives as they are meant to be enjoyed.

If you are single, you should have the security of marriage.

If you are married, you should have the freedom of singleness.

If you live in an apartment, you should own a house by now.

If you own a home, it should be bigger than the one you already have.

Are you getting the message?

Your clothes should be from this vendor.

Your appearance should look like that trend.

Your standard of success should be measured by these standards.

We get in this cycle. . .it is inevitable with the media bombarding us.  This cycle leads to discontentment because we are always wanting more or something different.  Ask yourself what you saying to yourself.  What are you wishing was different in your life?  Are your thoughts creating discontentment?

 

It says in 2 Corinthians 9:8

“God is able to make every grace overflow to you,

so that in every way, always having everything you need,

you may excel in every good work.”

 

God promises us this in Psalm 84:11

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield.

The LORD gives grace and glory;

He does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity.”

God has already given enough. He’s given us life. When we start to really absorb what all this means and CHOOSE (yes, it’s a choice!) to recognize this and trust in HIS continued supply, we will begin living life abundantly and to the fullest.  I believe that with all my heart!

So if you have gotten in a rut like I have this summer with being discontent, I challenge you like I am challenging myself. . .when negative thoughts start to come, take them captive! Start watching your thoughts more, start listening to the things that you are telling yourself.  Are they truths?

 

 BE CONTENT.

LIVE THE MOMENTS YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN.

POUR YOURSELF OUT.

DRAIN THE EXPERIENCE OF OF EACH NEW DAY. 

BE PREPARED FOR GOD’S OVERFLOWING BLESSINGS! 

**Some excerpts taken from The Resolution for Women! I HIGHLY recommend this book!!