To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that all things which fall out shall co-operate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish more; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over. —Thomas Watson
In my random little way I will attempt to express my thoughts on contentment. I know *gasp*...don't say that word! In fact, our Ladies Bible Study at church was considering a study on contentment and I totally freaked..."No way, Lord...I know what kind of testing that means..." How ridiculous...to say you want to learn and grow...and then flat out run from something that could teach great lessons. Although the LBS didn't go with that study...it seems God has many lessons to teach me in that area.First off, many of you know my love of a truly Frugal Friday...and my felt need to redefine what frugal means. I've defined it as something like practising economy; living without waste; thrifty. But what I've recently discovered is that God calls me to more than simple frugality or thrift. He wants me to be content. For me that means...not getting what I don't need, no matter what the percent off...resting in what he has already blessed me with and using it (time, energy, etc) for His glory...
That leads me to contentment within relationships...specifically marriage. In combination with some dear ones praying for me, my studying respect, and resolving to be a better listener...my Loverbrains has shared his work stresses and leaned on me more heavily than ever before. I am not complaining at all...in fact, I'm praising God that I can view it this way...and by His Grace have been able to stand up under it...with strength and stamina that couldn't come from my own devices! This current stress has led me to contentment with how he does his job (with all his heart) and the time that it takes away from us. I'm telling ya...that could ONLY come from God! I've struggled with it and intense anger for years. Praise God...that although the lessons are painful that I'm actually learning something.
Last, on a slightly lighter note....I apologize for this being such a serious CR Friday...I'm learning some contentment in parenting. I'm not becoming a wishy-washy, flexible parent...don't worry...as far as discipline goes...that calls for firm consistency. I am saying that I'm realizing that it is OKAY to slow down and play with my kids...even if some of my TO DO list doesn't get done. It's OKAY if they make a huge mess...cuz they'll then have an opportunity to learn to clean it up. It's OKAY that I'm not SuperMomE...and don't take my kids to every educational activity and don't have a no TV household. I'm me...striving by God's Grace...to be the best MomE I can be...and wife...
Be careful what you pray for...but also what you are afraid to ask God for...Contentment is something that must be learned and is worth it!
Phil. 4:11, "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am."
6 comments:
Great post. I like your statement: "How ridiculous...to say you want to learn and grow...and then flat out run from something that could teach great lessons." That really causes one to think.... You make an excellent point there!
Hope you have a great weekend!
Karen
I love you, my daughter. Only God can do anything with us, for us or through us. Love, Mom
I often think of running from the very things that could teach me to learn and grow... One would think after learning and growing I would stop thinking of running. ha!
I love that you take time to play with your Children even if your to do list does not get completed. Investing in them is so important and a lot of parents don't realize that. Your children are going to be so blessed because you do :)
Have a FAB weekend!
Contentment is a hard lesson, but definitely worth it when it's learned. Not that I am anywhere near finished learning!
Very good thoughts and lessons -- thanks for sharing. Too often we associate contentment just with "stuff" and not with relationships as well.
Sometimes serious posts can be good, and I enjoyed reading it all. Contentment is often as difficult for me as patience and an area where I can struggle as well. It's something I'm working on as well (the patience too).
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