Confession- I struggle with contentment. But every 5 or 6 years that word, “content,” reveals itself, and I immediately try to get moving- like it is not okay to be content, because there is always better. And if I am not in pursuit of getting better, I am settling for the status quo. I hate settling.
Defined by Webster’s Dictionary, to be content is to be in a state of satisfaction.
Yesterday I was asked to be content again. As I mentioned in previous blogs, I read a morning devotional. The reading was about finding contentment in current circumstances…. Dang! Isn’t that just perfect timing. The last thing that I am focusing on in life is contentment. What a lesson… It was like I was being called to pay attention.
Current circumstances are far from normal for any of us. Many of us are out of work, or being asked to work from home. At the same time we are taking on roles unfamiliar to us, like teachers for our kids. To further complicate matters, many of us are scared. Fear of the unknown, unable to plan. It is hard to find contentment in this current circumstance.
Where is contentment or satisfaction found in this moment?
I find satisfaction in sticking to my workouts. I feel better after a workout, even if it is not perfect, it is done. And getting it done gives me a moment of contentment…. plus working out gets the good hormones going, and those hormones make people happier.
The second place I find contentment in my kids’ smiles. When I am playing with the kids and involved in their kids, they light up. Granted Jack and Lily are not school aged, therefore, their daily routines have not changed, but taking the few moments to act like a kid again with them and to smile is a nice way to find contentment.
The next place contentment is found is talking to my family, whether it is through a video phone call or face to face. There is a sense of closeness and comfort while talking to the people I love.
Where do I not find contentment… I don’t find it while watching the news, there is little satisfaction that I find by watching the constant tally of positive COVID-19 tests and death tolls. I wish we would celebrate the recoveries and keep our eyes on the number that are recovering. I find satisfaction in those numbers.
I don’t find contentment at the grocery store, hearing of the scarcity within the shelves is sad. But, it is where our current circumstances are at today. Maybe my lesson is to find contentment in these places?
I don’t find a ton of contentment reading Facebook. Therefore, I try to post things that make me happy and that I am grateful for. When I shift my perspective, I find contentment. But I am grateful that so many people have used Facebook as a way to stay connected during these times. For example, I am so honored to still be able to teach the members at the studio through Facebook Live as well as watch church services on that platform as well.
In turbulent circumstances, finding the good brings a sense that everything will be okay. I, more than ever, need to remind myself that I have no control over a lot of present circumstances. But I do have control on what I focus on. I can find the good. I can notice moments that allow me satisfaction and happiness. When I do so, contentment feels a lot better, there is hope and relief.
Therefore, my challenge to all of you- notice moments of contentment in your life each day. Find them. Cherish them. Let them grow and bring you more hope and satisfaction. Let’s find happiness during these circumstances. Because, that still exists. Sometimes you just need to search a little harder.
