I think whether it's New Years or not, we are very goal-oriented people-- and the new year just amplifies this fact.
I believe most of us are under so much pressure all the time to lose just a few more pounds, make just a little (or a lot) more money, and find ways we can slowly but majorly make our lives better (happier).
Some of us certainly are in hard situations (or seasons), but for the rest of us, if we're really honest with ourselves, is there truly anything wrong with our lives the way that they are?
If that "perfect-looking," well-rounded girl wasn't posting every detail of her life every single day, would you still be convinced your life isn't good enough? If I had to guess, I would assume that most of us know what the secret to happiness is-- we just don't truly believe it, and maybe we're even a little too afraid to find out if it's true.
The secret? It's learning to be content with what you have and where you are. I'm not saying this is easy, especially in your twenties (I'm in my twenties), it's very hard to wholeheartedly believe that you are just fine the way you are when the girl, who's the exact same age as you next door, has 10 times what you have.
I'm not a pro at this; I'd be lying if I said I never cried out to God asking if He was sure that He loves and knows what's best for me. But I have learned little tips and habits that help me be content and trusting that He gives me exactly what I need each day.
We've all heard about the power of gratitude. Gratitude truly shifts our minds from what we believe we lack to all the glorious and good things that we often take for granted. Every morning or night, write down at least 3 things you are grateful for.
Not sure where to start? Are you healthy? Do you have a job? Is there a roof over your head? Did you eat food today? Do you have family or friends who care about you? These are simple things that I've certainly caught myself expecting rather than being thankful for the gift that they truly are.
Another not surprising one, setting boundaries on social media. For some of us, it's staying off of it completely (and I applaud you), and for others it's limiting our time and what we see on it. People or accounts that frustrate you or anxiously make you produce a laundry list of to-do's to "fix your life" are absolutely not worth following.
Similarly, I have found (along with so many others) such freedom from generally staying off of my phone. Some people enjoy diving into the digital world of instant connection and gratification-- but I realized I don't. Personally, I'd rather be fully present and live in the world God has placed me in right now. God places us here to enjoy what He made, so why not do it?
Have you ever thought back to times when you realized God provided exactly what you needed in a moment? It brings me so much comfort and joy to read through the promises of God and recall times in high school and college when God gave me exactly what I needed, at just the right time, in every difficult situation.
Even right now, today, God has met my needs-- I have a roof over my head, food to eat, clean water to drink, clothes to wear, good friends, a loving family, and a job to provide the financial means for these things. The truth that we often forget is that we don't deserve a life of luxury-- sorry to burst anyone's bubble (and those who live in one are expected to be generous with what they have: Luke 12:48), nor, as harsh as it sounds, are we guaranteed tomorrow.
If the Lord promises to meet my needs (and has proven to do so) then I can trust every day that He has given me exactly what I need- nothing less. If we truly needed the things we wish we had, then we would have them; and maybe someday we will :)
I think another way of believing, contently, that you have and are enough for today is by intentionally enjoying the things that you have. Maybe you wish you lived in a different home or place. While you wait for what's next, think about how you can enjoy your space now. Romanticize the daily rituals you do in it. What cool places can you potentially walk to that one day you won't be able to? Maybe you can re-organize parts of your home to make it feel like a new space again?
Maybe you're looking for a new job; what big or small things can you appreciate or enjoy while you wait? Maybe it's a coffee machine in the office, or a group of co-workers you've become friends with.
Maybe there's some kind of flexibility you don't always recognize, or maybe it's just your desk space you appreciate (you can't control a lot of things at work, but you can control the feel of your work space).
When we're tempted to feel like our lives could be better if only we just had "this," remember that if you have Jesus, you genuinely have all that you need. And then, look around and notice all the things our kind Savior has given you besides Himself.
Comments