I have learned the secret....

I was having a discussion this morning with my mother on the subject of contentment. I finally said to her, "you know Mom, people are content on vacation....until they eat at a bad restaurant."

My point was that even in the happiest of circumstances, we can find a way to never be happy. Ahhh, why do we do that?!?!?!! I think part of the problem, is that deep down we know there is something more. There is a perfect life we are meant for, we just haven't reached it yet.

And the other part, well, is simply a lack of belief. We don't believe things can be as good as they are so we find something wrong with our situation to make it easier to handle. Take it from me, Queen of Complaints.

From an outsider's point of view, I have lived an all-but charmed life. I grew up with both parents in the same house, I went to church, lived in a small town with friends who loved me, I went to college on scholarship so I don't have to live with massive amounts of debt, and then after that, I move to Hawaii--the place of my dreams. I lived on the beach, I had 2 great jobs, great friends, great church, the list goes on. Somehow, through all that, I still complained!

Once again, from the outside looking in, I have had it good. Real good. But if someone could get inside my head, they would think I've had it so horrible and the whole world should feel sorry for me. Ick.

A few months ago, God brought me back home to Northern Wisconsin. And I'm talking home home. In my parents' house, in my sister's room, covered now by about 8 feet of snow. For those of you who know me, this kind of life is not my gig. I don't like the cold. I don't like small towns. I don't like dressing in layers. I loathe winter weight gain. And frankly, as an adult, I don't like my parent's rules. But now this is my life.

Last night I had a serious wake up call. While the circumstances aforementioned are all true. There are more truths that I've failed to mention, becasue up until this point, I have failed to focus on. Here are a few: I live in a brand new house. I start work at 11:30, 5 miles away from my home. My little town blares Christmas music through the streets all December long. I have a family that loves me, and they make me laugh a lot. My best friend is in driving distance. I don't pay rent, or utilities, or for food. I have a really great dog. And, for the most part, I get to watch these little princesses (who happen to be my nieces) grow up. Sounds pretty good right?

My attitude has changed today. My circumstances have not. I've just shifted my focus. God never leaves us, which means no matter how bad in can get, and I know some of you reading this probably have it pretty bad, there is always something good to hang on to. Hope for eternity. The breath you just took. The fact that you own a computer to read this on. The roof over your head. The list goes on...

Life on earth is too beautiful and too short to let complaints ruin our days, let's take some advice from the Apostle Paul:

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:10-13)

A Prescription for Contentment:

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 ours.