Be Content

Last night, we had our FHE lesson on being content. There is a great article in the "Friend". I think it was a good lesson for our family, and I thought it left us all with something to think about.
It seems as though my whole life I've been searching to be content, but not quite seeming to get there. I've always seemed to be the kind of person looking for something better to make me happy, well, I can't say just happy, because for the most part, I am usually happy. So I guess I should say--Happier! But I've started to come to realize that I've never gotten there for failure to realize that what makes me the most happiest is right before my eyes-at that given moment in my life, for that is true contentment. Funny how that is, isn't it? The book, "The Giving Tree" is a perfect example of this. Ignoring the simple blessings of what you already have and in the end realizing a little ole stump is all you really needed. If I can just remember it's the simple things that bring me joy. Often these "other" things that I think will make me "happier" are the very things that complicate my life. There are times that I have realized that I missed the true joy in what I have at a particular moment, because I have been too busy chasing after something else. Isn't that sad? I have also noticed on the reverse side, that when I am content the blessings seem to sneak up on me. The great thing is usually they are not the blessings that I've "been chasing after", but better--they are the blessings the Lord knew that I needed at that particular time.

I don't think I'm the only one plagued by this. When I look around, I see a world of people trying to be content. If only I had a bigger house, a bigger car, better vacations and the list goes on. People always looking for something better. Why can't we just be happy with what we have? I am fortunate to be married to a man who has mastered this art of being content. He is such a great example to me. He is happy with the moment of just being happy-he is grateful for what the Lord has given him, always. I love that about him.

I've also noticed my girls starting to pick up on my bad habit of not being content. It's funny because often times, it's not until I see my bad habits in my children that I realize it's time for a change (boy do I have a lot of changing needing to happen). Thank the Lord for families who can help us see our faults. I think by the end of the lesson though, the girls understood better about what it means to be content. Or did they? Our FHE ended with a treat of chocolate peanut butter covered marshmallows. Mike gave us all one yummy marshmallow. Both girl's said, "Is that all we get"? Mike stopped, and said,"Yes, now be content." Oh well, I guess perfection doesn't happen over night.