It's been a while since I posted. Then again, there always seems to be "a while" between each of my posts. I guess that's what happens when you get busy. I tend to view it as a good thing; that I'm too busy with work, my husband, friends, activities, life etc. to focus on posting on my blog every week. I would much rather be with people than in front of a screen. :) But I digress.
Just moments ago, I was sitting on my couch in the living room of my apartment, drinking my evening tea, when I realized something that I consider to be fairly significant:
I was completely content.
Now, by saying that, I probably sound like a person who is never content unless she gets everything her way. While I am a sinful, selfish human at heart, I would like to think that is not the case with me. If you're really curious, ask my husband; he's the one that would know that before anyone else. ;)
But really, it occurred to me that I was not stressed about anything, I was not dreading any upcoming deadlines, I was not unhappy with where I was in life, I was simply content in that moment. As I processed, I took in my surroundings, and began to recognize the small blessings that I so often overlook. All five of my senses were engrossed in that solitary instant of peace, and I began to silently thank the Lord for what was in front of me.
First, sight. Our entire apartment was fairly clean and tidy. I get stressed by clutter and mess, so cleaning has always been an excellent de-stresser for me. So many times, Sundays are not a day of rest at all for me. But today was a calm, quiet day, so I had the chance to pick up before Matt got home from work.
Thank you, Lord, for a day of rest to prepare for the upcoming week.
Second, hearing. As I sat there, I listened to Matt play some computer game in the sunroom. He always entertains me with how competitive he gets, especially when he is playing online with a friend. He rarely gets angry; he just gets so excited and determined that I cannot help but smile. I am grateful that he is the kind of man that entertains himself so I can have some me time.
Thank you, Lord, for my wonderful husband that keeps me smiling.
Third, smell. The aroma of freshly baked cinnamon zucchini bread was wafting throughout the entire apartment. Recently, a friend of mine blessed us with a bunch of zucchini and squash from her garden, so I have been up to my eyes in various baking projects to use up those precious vegetables (technically, they are fruit) before they go bad. I love cooking and baking, and I have not had much time this summer to play around in my kitchen up until this past week.
Thank you, Lord, for time in the kitchen and for generous friends.
Fourth, taste. English black tea with a bit of milk is my forever comfort drink. I love coffee, but it tends to upset my stomach if I drink it too fast. Not so with tea. It winds me down and is just good for my soul. Additionally, each sip reminds me of my time in Ireland, which causes many happy memories to flood back.
Thank you, Lord, for tea and the simple happiness it brings.
Lastly, touch, or just physical feeling. I was (and am) sitting in my air-conditioned apartment, in my over-sized t-shirt and favorite gym shorts, on my couch, and I was reminded of how many people do not have the luxury of a home or good clothes. This caused not guilt, but gratefulness in my heart.
Thank you, Lord, for all you have provided for my comfort.
This may just be me rambling on with all the random thoughts that fly around in this brain of mine, but I think the Lord was trying to teach me something. Something I have noticed about adulthood thus far is that so many people are discontent. So many of us (yes, I have to include myself in this category) are constantly looking forward to the next thing in life and desiring for that time to be here now, and not in the future. Whether that be a Masters degree, a new job, buying a house, or having children, it is so easy to get caught up in desiring for the future to begin. And there's a definite trend: once you get one thing you want, you begin to pine for the next thing on your list. If nothing, it's a reminder that nothing in this world will make you happy. Only Jesus can fill that void in your heart.
But we can never learn the art of true joy unless we learn to stop and look around and capture the moments of contentment that come our way. Sadly, those moments never last long enough, but if we make this practice a habit, perhaps they will come more easily, and then more frequently.
You see, contentment is not just a feeling; it's a choice. If we can choose to be happy with where the Lord has us in this season of life, the future will shine brighter and we will feel more alive than we ever have. How do you choose contentment, you ask? By smiling, looking for little blessings around you, and thanking God for all He's given you.
This instant of contentment comes to me in a lull. I'm in a less chaotic season at work, and I am in between my summer class and fall classes. I know life is about to get crazy again, but in the still, quiet moments like these, I feel prepared to take on the beautiful chaos that awaits me. Maybe this post will help remind me to seek for contentment in the crazy days. Who knows. For now, I plan to take in my view and savor every second.
As well as every bite of that zucchini bread. :)
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