Content or Discontent

     It's always a good thing to take a personal inventory after criticizing someone else! After spending time with someone that's never satisfied with what they have or where they are it is a good time to check yourself! Ok, am I always praying or asking for something else or to be somewhere else? Am I content, like Paul in Philippians, in my circumstances? Do I spend more time asking or more time saying "Thank You"?
     Nothing is as satisfying as giving to someone that truly appreciates your gift or your efforts and nothing quite as disheartening as being with someone that is never satisfied. When I reflect that feeling back into myself, I question which am I? Am I only appreciative of the new and different? Only the best? I can only imagine the hurt that I have cast upon my Heavenly Father by not appreciating what He has put in my life and where He has placed me. I'm not talking about the things we bring into our life by our own will, but the things that He has given us.
     In our own will we can draw a lot of problems to ourselves, but that is our own doing, and to blame God for them is wrong and a whole different subject. Now I'm focusing on what I am, yes, I am short, yes, I need to wear glasses to see well, yes I tend to pack on pounds more easily than take them off, yes, my energy is limited and yes more of my life is behind me than ahead of me. those are things that are from God. Because I do have pounds that I need to take off is my own doing! I can exercise and eat wisely but I don't always do that, obviously! Anyways, This is not about the things in my life that I have caused, it's about being thankful for what God has done!
     I do need to wear glasses, Thank You Lord for my glasses! How sad it would be to go through life not being able have my glasses to help me see clearly! Thank You Lord that even though my energy is limited You have sent a loving husband that helps me cheerfully in all things! Thank You Lord that I have lived a good life with many people that I have had as family and friends and for the exciting future that You are laying out before me! Lord forgive me for dissatisfaction, please remove any covetous spirit, please help me to grow in contentment with the things you have given me.
     Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13