Be. Come. Become.
Today, I simply wanted to sit down and just begin writing. I love that this blog exists simply to encourage others, and to provide a space where I can process my thoughts and remember (for myself) how I approached life in the past. It’s so neat to have those thoughts preserved. It’s so neat to be in a place of inspiration. As I write, what I want to say comes to mind. It’s a really cool endeavor.
Today, I just wanted to talk about how it really is possible to find contentment in life. And, in this life. Right now, I believe I’m in a season of peace, of contentment, of joy. I’m really happy with my life and what I’m deciding to fill my life with. I just got off the phone earlier this morning with my best friend, and her and I were reflecting on how it’s really felt like both of us have “arrived,” to some extent. I really don’t think I’ll feel at home here until I’m finally Home with Jesus, but for now, I feel pretty close to that kind of peace.
I love what I do. I love how I spend my days. I love the rhythms of life I find myself in these days, and really hope to encourage you all with the peace that’s accessible to each of us. I feel like contentment comes - in some cases - when you’ve been striving and working hard for a goal to come to fruition in your life, and it finally does. For my best friend, it’s finally being a wife and a mother. For me in this season, it’s having a job that I love and a place I can finally call home. I don’t need to worry about tomorrow; today has enough worries of it’s own. I also don’t want to let yesterday take up too much of today. I really think, too, that with contentment also comes a deep sense of appreciation for the present. When I live where I’m at, with who I am in the present moment, I think contentment can find us there too.
Yes, I still wrestle with my longings. I still grieve the suffering and tragedy that plagues our present world. I hate evil. I grieve with loved ones who’ve been lost, I grieve with the people of Afghanistan and Haiti, I grieve the tragic day of September 11th, 2001 for our nation today, too. And I see how even - on a much smaller scale - I have grievances from my own past, difficulties my family members face today, trials loved ones I know are currently enduring, and that hits hard too. Whether globally or internally, my heart is moved by the evil and hardship I see in our world.
Living here, right now, being present, and receiving contentment in the midst of an imperfect world is a tension, to say the least. It’s a place of deep longing and deep hope. It’s a place of comfort, peace, and joy, and also just as much a place of anticipation, excitement, and desire. I can’t imagine that life would be worth the living if it also weren’t for those moments that made us dissatisfied, longing for more. I see contentment coming when I reach my goals, when my dreams finally become a reality. But I think that’s just it: When I’m content being who I am, and come just as I am to the present moment, I find that I become evermore thankful and in tune with who I’m supposed to be. Be. Come. Become. That’s what it’s all about.
I think peace and joy are so much more easily accessible to us than we realize. Contentment is a posture of the heart. When I know who I am, where I’m going, and what I’ve been through to get to where I am now, I’m thankful. I’m anticipating more goodness to come. And I see the present as a gift. That’s exactly what it is anyways.
