Topic: Contentment
I've struggled with what to say with this post. I want to spread my experiences and things I've learned as I, hopefully, grow in Christ. Even now I've erased countless sentences and paragraphs trying to find the wording for this post. I've mulled, and chewed for weeks knowing that this is an awesome thing to understand, confront, and, as a Child of Christ, something we need to learn and embrace.
Content. Contentment. As I began to read this book, I was confronted from the first page on how ungrateful and unhappy with where God had placed me. I complain about my pregnancy and how "unglowing" it has been thus far. Where we are living - I hate apartment living. And even where we live - Arizona. I'm just not a desert person. I was discontent with relationships in my life, or the lack of them. And then I began to read...
The women in this book are amazing and the countless scripture is compelling and convicting.
A quote from the book by a lady named Ella who was a missionary in Africa- no electricity, extreme heat, humidity, and no modern conveniences.
"Never allow yourself to complain about anything-not even the weather. Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else. Never compare your lot with another's. Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise. Never dwell on tomorrow-remember that tomorrow is God's not yours."
I was floored with how guilty I was of each one of these. This is just the beginning of this Bible study and we're only a few weeks in. But those words...I was ashamed of myself. They've been in my mind for weeks, convicting me. I realized that I'm extremely blessed. I am blessed to be able to carry this baby, to experience something that some women can't and they'd give anything to. Where I live shouldn't matter. God has provided the means for us to even have a place to lay our heads. As for Arizona? I'd rather be here with my husband than anywhere else without him. We've been separated for most of our marriage to date, because of the Air Force and to see him everyday, even on our bad days is better than not at all. My relationships? I have plenty of relationships that are by far more fulfilling and beneficial with conversations of God and talking about Him, to the love of Harry Potter, or just to splurge all the word vomit that sometimes can not be contained. To vent or listen to their problems or concerns or to be in complete silence without the need or pressure to fill it with words. I'll be content with those and pray that God will make even more meaningful relationships, and if not I know that I'll be just fine without. I hope as you read(if you read it all) you, too, will realize how blessed you are.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for 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 want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13 Apostle Paul
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