Deep thoughts are not many as this busiest-of-spring-weeks comes closer to an end, but there is a little something stirring in me that begs to be recorded tonight.
First, let me remind myself that this busy week has been good. Field trips shared, awards ceremonies to honor the accomplishments of 2 talented sons and 1 up-and-coming little lady, teaching and training others who desire to work with children in ministry, the first of many ball games, and treating our Krew to dinner on their last day of school - letting them choose anything they wanted from the menu and laughing together around the table without rushing to get to the next thing on the agenda.
Anyways, a thought that rattles around in this busy brain today has to do with contentment. Being content is an incredible challenge, a goal that is likely unable to be fully attained in this life, and yet one that would benefit each one of us to grow a little closer to every day.
There are so many temptations and distractions in this life - so many opportunities to be reminded of what we don't have. Yet in reality, if we were to stop long enough to take note of what we do have, we might be surprised at how long that list would be. Pleasantly surprised.
It's so easy to compare ourselves to others, first to enjoy peeking into their lives and liking what we see, then to start wanting what they have, and finally believing that life truly would be better if we did 'this' or had 'that'...
Would it? Would it really? Does anyone around us really live that 'perfect life'? Do they find true happiness in what they do or what they own or what they purchase? Do we? Or does every 'new thing' ultimately leave us longing for more? And does that discontentment end up distracting us from everything else that is good in our life?
Such an easy trap to fall into, especially in our society of commercials, billboards, magazines, shopping malls, and super centers. Constant reminders of things we wouldn't otherwise consider, but now can't stop thinking about. Reminders that leave us unsatisfied and available for various forms of slavery as we simply try to 'keep up'...debt that we cannot repay, harder work and longer hours to gain more of what we do not have, time and thoughts that separate from relationships we value...
This truth applies to so much more than just possessions - discontentment results in ongoing envy of status, appearance, career, lifestyle, etc, and it is a contagious disease that affects us all on some level.
And after all that rambling, the thought that continues to stick with me is this:
Wouldn't it be SO much more worthwhile to stop accumulating 'stuff' and to instead spend this life accumulating reasons for gratitude? Can we ever have too much of that? Isn't personal contentment a far greater goal than status, lifestyle, acceptance? Wouldn't we rather invest our time in gaining greater peace than in making more money? In furthering relationships instead of filling shelves and shopping bags?
Guilty as charged. Growing, but still guilty.
Lord, let us all choose to slow down, to defeat the battle of discontent with gratitude. To stop and say 'thank you' when we'd rather grumble and complain. To open our eyes and see that what You have already given us is SO much more than enough. When our minds are overwhelmed with thoughts of what we don't have, let us instead choose to
"capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ."
2 Corinthians 10:5
And as we grow, let us be an encouragement to others, a reminder to them of their many reasons for gratitude instead of what they are missing, a source of blessing and hope for what they can attain rather than what they cannot. Help me 'capture every thought' daily and find myself more grateful today than I was yesterday. Amen.
291. Catching a glimpse of hand 'puppets' in the rearview mirror as they 'sing along' to the CD - and laughing out loud while wishing it could be recorded!
292. Boys who are honored for their character.
293. Events that come together even when computers do not cooperate.
294. Wonderful people who make said events so successful!
295. Opportunities to encourage after difficult ball games.
296. An elementary school that values and rewards reading and sets new reading records every year.
297. Boys who wear gold and bronze reading medals with pride.
298. Friendly chats with parents and teachers.
299. Kids who know exactly what gifts to give their teachers at the end of the year...Kanton said, "I know what I'm going to give my teacher...roses." :)
300. Picking out flowers and candy for special people who invest in my children.
301. Watching a shy preschool princess sing and do actions on stage to a great old song we have been practicing together.
302. Extra hugs, kisses, and waves goodbye at daycare.
303. News that a soldier friend is on his way home.
304. Catching a bloody nose before it hits carpet and clothing.
305. True tears of heartfelt remorse from causing said bloody nose.
306. An abundance of clothing that always needs washing!
307. Time together to celebrate and reflect on another school year gone by.
308. Thunderstorms.
309. The sweet smell of rain.
310. Family devotions and time to pray for one another.
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