My friend pointed to a photo of a little girl soaring down a hill with bright, colorful balloons streaming behind her.
"I like this photo," she said. "I need more of this in my life right now."
I knew what she meant. She loves being at home with her baby and two-year-old, but she is still learning to find joy and contentment in the midst of the quiet, lonely repetitiveness of her days. I was her only a few years ago. And I still struggle with it every now and then.
The words of one of my favorite Bible passages come to mind; Philippians 4:11-13 tells us:
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things though him who strengthens me. (ESV)
"I like this photo," she said. "I need more of this in my life right now."
I knew what she meant. She loves being at home with her baby and two-year-old, but she is still learning to find joy and contentment in the midst of the quiet, lonely repetitiveness of her days. I was her only a few years ago. And I still struggle with it every now and then.
The words of one of my favorite Bible passages come to mind; Philippians 4:11-13 tells us:
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things though him who strengthens me. (ESV)
Contentment is the peace that comes from knowing and fulfilling God's plan for you. It is having a greater sense of purpose. If you know that you are in the right place at the right time, you wouldn't want to be anywhere else. And you know that God will help you while you are there, no matter what you face.
I am thankful for this reminder as I plan for the beginning of our school year. With two children in middle school now (and a feisty one-year-old in the mix!), I am bracing myself for the whirlwind of days ahead. But without a doubt, I am in the right place, at the right time. It's not always easy, but with God's help, I can get through it.
All this recent meditating on Philippians 4:11-13 helped me write a song, my first in half a year. I've sung the song enough times now that my kids have picked up on the chorus too. And the best thing is, the words play in my head as I take care of the children and clean the house. Even at two in the morning, when I'm pushing back the fog of sleep to help a child go to the bathroom or to feed the baby, I'm singing these words to myself!
(I still have not made a YouTube video of myself singing... I probably never will. You will just have to enjoy the lyrics without the melody. Sorry!)
I am thankful for this reminder as I plan for the beginning of our school year. With two children in middle school now (and a feisty one-year-old in the mix!), I am bracing myself for the whirlwind of days ahead. But without a doubt, I am in the right place, at the right time. It's not always easy, but with God's help, I can get through it.
All this recent meditating on Philippians 4:11-13 helped me write a song, my first in half a year. I've sung the song enough times now that my kids have picked up on the chorus too. And the best thing is, the words play in my head as I take care of the children and clean the house. Even at two in the morning, when I'm pushing back the fog of sleep to help a child go to the bathroom or to feed the baby, I'm singing these words to myself!
(I still have not made a YouTube video of myself singing... I probably never will. You will just have to enjoy the lyrics without the melody. Sorry!)
Somedays are weary, somedays are long
Somedays it feels like all things go wrong
I get no trophies, no wild applause
It's easy to start longing for the life that was
But I have found the secret of being content
If I hear His calling, if I go where I'm sent
I can do all things through Him who gives me strength
I have found the secret of being content
It still comes knocking, that green-eyed envy
Though I am living in wealth and plenty
It says I'm failing by worldly measures
But I say I know I am rich in heavenly treasures
I have found the secret of being content
If I hear His calling, if I go where I'm sent
I can do all things through Him who gives me strength
I have found the secret of being content
I may be hungry, I may be fed
I may be healthy or nearly dead
I may have money, I may have none
But I can keep on dancing in the rain or sun
I have found the secret of being content
If I hear His calling, if I go where I'm sent
I can do all things with His mighty strength
I have found the secret of being content
I can do all things through Him who gives me strength
I have found the secret of being content
Beautiful song, Rita!
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