This post was written by Sarah Outlaw of Real Food Outlaws
I struggle with being content.
I’m 35 and don’t yet have the farm I’ve always dreamed of. I’m a food blogger with a teeny, tiny kitchen to work my magic in. My house is drafty in the winter, a season that seems to last as long as the summer is short. I get overwhelmed as a new homeschool mom. The list could go on and on.
Complaining about what I don’t have can take over my life and discontentment is like a cancer.
In these moments I look around and see food on the table, my four children laughing at each other’s jokes, my husband lovingly whittling away at the laundry pile, and I know I am blessed.
Contentment is a choice.
Not having gratitude can turn you into someone you don’t want to be….bitter, angry, entitled.
Being dissatisfied with your life can permeate every fiber of your being.
You look at your spouse differently, your children differently, in a spirit of discontentment.
You close yourself off from blessings.
In these moments, this verse is whispered in a still, small voice.
What does this verse mean to me?
It means whether I’m in California or New Jersey, I am to be content.
It means whether I have my dream kitchen or live here for the rest of my days, I am to be content.
It means whether we complete all of our scheduled school lessons on any given day or not, I am to be content.
Is it easy? No! It’s really hard for me to let go and let God! I want to be in control. To know everything is going to turn out okay.
The grass is always greener where you are not.
Have gratitude.
Then you will be content.
Do you struggle with contentment in everyday life? What verses have helped you be more thankful?
Latest posts by Sarah Outlaw (see all)
- Three Weeks to Better Kids {A recipe for a great summer} - May 23, 2018
- A Thankful Heart is a Happy Heart - November 27, 2013
- Hope for the Disorganized Homeschool Mom {and a Menu Plan} - October 4, 2013
- Contentment In Every Season - September 10, 2013
Thank you for this post. It is beautifully written and speaks to my soul. God bless you.
Wonderful reminder that our focus should not be on earthly things but on furthering His kingdom. Just what I needed to hear today!
Oh wow…this was written for me. After my husband lost job we moved a small, close knit, rural village in New York, to a fast paced city in California. We now live with my family. Needless to say things are tense. My family doesn’t approve of us homeschooling. I am constantly worried/stressed/yelling about one thing or another….forever wishing we were back in New York. This is a great reminder to be content. We have a place to lay our heads at night, food in our stomachs, and the bills are paid. While we wait on the lords plan for our future, contentment will be key.
Thank you, Trixie! I am glad that it encouraged you!
Teri! Thank you for sharing your story! Sometimes it’s so hard to see the big picture! It is definitely hard when family is not supportive of your decisions. I’ll be praying for you! ~Sarah
Andrea! I am so thankful that it blessed you!
This was exactly what I needed today! We are a military family and my husband is less than 3 years from retirement. I have been feeling so lost, and depressed because my husbands family lives near each other in a small town and they do everything together. My four children are left out due to us moving all the time. I feel bad that we can’t be there with everyone. And also….. We will never have a place with all of our children’s measurements on the door ya know. I feel so sad sometimes that we will never have that but I just need to appreciate where we are. We have seen the world. We have been to many churches and through all of this traveling and growth my husband has gotten his own calling to become a pastor. We have survived deployments and for that I am grateful. I just really needed to read this today.
Lovey, Moving a lot is really rough! We were military just for the 1st 3 years of marriage and I know how tough it is! I am glad this blessed you! It’s hard to be thankful sometimes, I know. Many blessings on your journey!
This is touching me today. Thanks. I think I am going to share this in my blog.
Sounds like my life except I have only 3 kids. Thanks for the reminder that I am not alone. I wonder if it’s the age? If this is the time we stop to reflect on childhood dreams and look to the future.