So Sweet to be Content

Paul Said it Best

11I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have. 12I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. 13Christ gives me strength to face anything. Phil4: 11-13 CEV

Has 2025 been off to an interesting start for anybody else? Mine has had it’s share of surprises already! The typical Manitoba, Canada winter finally arrived and much time was spent indoors. This gave me time to sketch out my blog, before I found myself recovering from surgery. I am finally feeling 100% and ready to tackle the world!

More Isn’t Alway More

I had plenty of time to spend in my living room. In the past, I would have found myself thinking to myself something like, wouldn’t it be nice if this or that was new, or better , but I didn’t. I found myself very content to have my books, my favourite comfy reading chair (Thanks, Val!) and my blanket! I have achieved my goal for the space: my home feels comfortable and inviting to me and my hubby. But I’ll tell you a secret. When we lived in a simpler home, filled with old and second hand everything, it was still cozy and inviting. It isn’t about having the newest, nicest, and perfectly decorated home. I try to have peace and love decorate my home.

There is always something to buy. When I focus on appreciating what I already have, I find that I don’t really have time to think about the next thing I could add to my collection of stuff. Don’t get me wrong. We upgrade and make purchases, but they don’t define our happiness.

Being Rich is Having Enough to Share

[I am not sure where I heard this expression, so I hope I am not breaking any copywrite laws here. I did not find a reference for it,]

This doesn’t necessarily mean money, I realized. There have been other times in my life when all I had to offer was a cup of tea or coffee and my time. You know what? There was a day when someone just sat with me, so I wasn’t alone. It didn’t cost them more than the gas money and the time she gave up from her own schedule, but that was one of the most precious gifts I ever received.

What do you have to share? Time? Food? A cup of tea? An ear to listen? Don’t let not having money stop you. You may never know how valuable what you offered was, but the person receiving it will.

I Don’t Want to Grumble

I have determined to be mindful of my mumbling, grumbling, and complaining.

We all know that in the last years there is no shortage of things to complain about. The truth of the matter is that I still feel frustrated after I’m done venting. God doesn’t like rumbling and I have come to consider that it may be because it is a poison that spreads bitterness, anger, breaks relationships, and contributes to depression. I have never said, “Wow! I feel so uplifted and fulfilled now that I have spent an hour griping about things!”

My Challenges to Myself

What if I prayed for the person that has me upset? This includes political figures. They probably need it the most. They are flesh and blood people with hopes and fears just like me and I must remind myself of that more often.

What if I interrupted my whinging with thank-you? For example, “Boy I really don’t feel like washing all these dishes, but thank-you LORD that I had food to eat, today.”

What if I remembered to practice empathy and compassion for those who are easy to love and those that aren’t?

These are tough, but I am going to try, one moment at a time.

Call Me!

Or maybe just leave a comment! 😀

I loved hearing your thoughts on my last post. Please keep them coming!

The LORD bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you and give you peace!