Content

Our lives are constantly changing. We have things today we longed for yesterday. We don’t have things we’ve desired all our lives. There is always a bit of both.

Whenever the voice of discontentment wants to whisper to me I make a list of things I’m grateful for. There is something about seeing all the things you once longed for but now have on paper that ignites joy and contentment.

The truth is that having what you want isn’t the real source of contentment. The real secret is having it without having all your desires fulfilled. Because you can’t wait to be content till you have it all.

If you live in rest contentment would be your permanent friend. So fighting the rot of discontent is something you need to do as soon as you get a sniff of it. One of my ways is not to voice it but instead to make my list. And confess that I trust that Yahweh provides in all my needs.

In this moment I have all that I need.

So here goes my list:

1. I don’t change poo nappies on a daily basis anymore.

2. I don’t have a child who won’t go to sleep without me having to spend the whole night lying with him.

3. I don’t have a tiny little garden like I used to have.

4. I have more great friends than I used to have.

5. My husband doesn’t work for a company anymore.

6. I’ve achieved a lifelong dream to be a published author.

7. I’m part of a new group of people who are everything I’ve ever dreamed church could be. Another lifelong dream realized.

8. I sleep through every single night.

9. I got to take my kids to South Africa for five months with my hubby. Another dream fulfilled.

10. I’m a lot better at preparing meals for my family than I was.

Make your own list and discover how thankfulness helps you to grab hold of contentment once more. It’s not always apparent during all the seasons of our lives why we are in that place. But the goodness of God is something constant you can trust in regardless of circumstances.