Speak Lord; I’m Listening – Daily Bite-Size Encouragement – Day 2
We all desire to be content (satisfied to the point that we are not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state we find ourselves in, but do we walk in contentment?1
When traffic is backed up, when covid restrictions lock us indoors, when the weather shuts off our electricity – then what? I’m still growing in this area, but I can share some tips on being content no matter what happens.
Tip #1 – Perspective
We have all heard the saying, “If Momma’s not happy, then nobody’s happy.” We can insert our names in place of momma’s name. Happiness is a choice. My brother died in a plane crash when he was twenty-nine years old. This event shifted my perspective.
I have learned to be glad that I am alive and that I have the opportunity to experience today. If you change your perspective from the glass being half empty to the glass being half full, you will find contentment in just being alive.
Tip #2 – Responsibility
It is easy to blame someone else, but it brings us a lot of freedom when we realize that we aren’t responsible for other people’s choices. So when other people’s choices have affected me negatively, I refuse resentment and bitterness.
I am responsible for my choices and my reactions. Therefore, I choose to live in a place of internal peace. No matter what is taking place externally, you can choose to be free from inner striving and find a place of peace in your mind.
Tip #3 – Find Beauty
In driver’s education, they teach that the car will follow where the driver’s eyes go. That’s why it is essential to look at the road when driving. I apply this principle to life. What I look at and think about is where my heart and mind will end up. I choose not to stare at another’s negative behavior or to ingest another’s negative words. How? I look for beauty.
I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string. ~L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea
Like Anne of Avonlea, I find beauty in nature. A butterfly landing on a bush outside my window brings a childlike delight to my soul. And I enjoy the lovely colors of a brilliant sunrise or the stunning display at sunset. I discover the charm of raindrops during a rainstorm, followed by an alluring rainbow. Beauty is all around us. Do you see it?
To fully enter into contentment, take responsibility for your actions and emotions, but refuse to allow other’s peoples words or behavior to get to you. You can walk graciously with people when you recognize what is theirs and what is yours. Forgive, let go, and love unconditionally – no matter what. The key to contentment is to let it go!
And finally, look for the beauty that is all around you in the ordinary things of life. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Now look for beauty!
Recommendations:
To learn more about walking in contentment and love Love – One of 8 Garments to Wear – Strength with Dignity
References:
1 Philippians 4:11 AMPC
Amplified Bible, Classis Edition (AMPC) Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.
Bible Scriptures were retrieved September 27, 2021, from https://www.biblegateway.com #bgbg2 #BibleGateway
4 thoughts on “3 Tips to Be Content- No Matter What!”
Oh, gosh, so hard to be content in this world we live in today. Thanks so much for linking up at the Unlimited Link Party 65. Pinned!
So true, Dee! Contentment can be challenging, but it is a choice we can make – by the grace of God.
I love that metaphor of a car going where the driver’s gaze goes. That makes so much sense in life. We can choose to look toward the positive, beautiful, and uplifting moments in life. This will help us to be content.
So true, Carol, choosing to ‘gaze upon Him’ really does help us be positive and content in life.