Monday, January 2, 2012
Messy Mondays - Everything I Want, Isn't Everything I Need
The last 2 years I have chosen a word to focus on regarding my walk with God. I pray about it a few weeks before each New Years. In 2010, I choose "Submission." I realized I was trying to control everything. For those who know me in real life, I am such a Martha and want everything in order. It is hard for me to let go. I am not going to say that I was completely successful in fully surrendering to God that year, but I did learn the benefits of doing it.
Last year I focused on "Perserverance." God led me to the right word as this past year has been one of many struggles. I have walked through the valley of darkness and pushed through it. I have been literally broken on the floor, filled with dispair. Only to be renewed through God's word and push through them again. God has been faithful and although my trials have not been taken away, He has been by my side through it all.
This year I have been lead to the word "Contentment."
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12 NIV
Contentment is defined as the statement of happiness or satisfaction, however, the Martha in me covets. A Dolce Gusto, steam mop, new curtains, bigger house, new vehicle, etc.. I want more than I have. I can also play the why me game. Why can't Middleman be normal? Why is my family facing the trials we are? Why do others seem to have it easier than me? Why don't more people link up to Caffeinated Randomness? (Ok, I really don't stress out about the last one.)
When I look at my life though I am truly blessed. Thomas may be autistic, but he doesn't have cancer or any other serious health issues. Nicole may not have many friends or be the most popular girl at her school, but she is super smart. She also has a heart for her brothers and often thinks of them before herself. Sam may not talk, but loves music and can sing songs in his own way. I have a nice house in a nice neighbourhod. I have a van. I am able to purchase a Starbucks latte at least once a week. My family is healthy. My husband is employed. We are blessed and I should be content.
In the song Blessings, there is a line that says "...or the aching of this life. Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy." What am I yearning for? Lysa TerKeurst in Made to Crave often states that "we were made to crave God." Instead of the external things I have been wanting, I need to recognize that what I truly am craving. A filling of complete contentment in life and in the blessings I have received. When I don't appreciate those blessings of God, it's me telling Him that what He got me wasn't good enough.
This year I am going to focus on being content with what I already have been given. I am going to see the joy in the simple things. I am going to embrace the gifts that come not matter what they are, knowing that God only wants good for me and only wants me to prosper.
What is your word this year? Are you content with all God has given you? Are you willing to?
I am linking up today with the Soli Deo Sisterhood at Finding Heaven.
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- Michelle
- Alberta, Canada
- I'm a 39 year old (oh yeah I'm telling you my age) Stay at Home mom. A former Bad Girl now reformed sinner, I'm married to my Y2K guy and raising 3 great children from God. Proudly Canadian, however, missing the West Coast, I currently live in the prairies watching the farmers fields produce as I learn how God produces the fruits in me.
Mini Me
Middleman
Tormentinator
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9 comments:
I'm procrastinating writing my post - my word is Obedience. Ha!!
I had to learn contentment a few years ago - it was a hard lesson, but so, so worth it. I don't feel the need to keep up or measure up anymore, but just enjoy the things we do have. You can do it! :)
"Contentment" was my word a couple of years ago.
What fond memories and lessons learned (not all easy I might add) I have of that word attached to that year.
Happy New Year!
Contentment - so what I need, so what I long for...
I could not think of a word. I had to pick a passage of scripture. I needed that much. I am hoping that finding contentment is an easy lesson for you. I think we've all had enough hard lessons for awhile. :)
My word is 'trust.'
And yes Autisme is no cancer.
But ...
I love your word and I while I was reading I was thinking about how I seek contentment outside of God.
My word is cultivate -- specifically cultivating space for Jesus in my life.
great word - something i need to work on, too. our world definitely doesn't make it easy for people to practice contentment.
Contentment is a fantastic word to choose. Have you ever read "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment" by Jeremiah Burroughs? It's a fabulous book on the topic (although a little tough to get through his puritan writing style, but so worth it).
My one word this year is "Venture." So I'm a little nervous about it. ha. I'm not much of a risk-taker, but I want to be more courageous in my faith. I know God has my back.
I pray that you will find that contentment as you continue to seek God, Michelle!
I think my word this year might be "establish". I want to establish myself more firmly in God ;)
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