Finding Contentment and Gratitude for Today

Contentment is the state of happiness and satisfaction. I would add being happy where you are now.

At this stage of life, it’s so easy for me to fall into the trap of wanting the next thing. I’m longing for graduation, I’m hoping for a move, a successful career and family. Shoot, I can’t even wait until we can get a dog. So with that said, I’m learning how to be very mindful of this. I’m learning how to be more intentional about enjoying the here and now, rather than let it fly by wishing for the next thing.

What’s the here and now? A beautiful, beautiful life. A loving husband. An amazing family. A roof over my head and the Lord’s constant provision. The ability to “live where you vacation.” The opportunity to get a college education and better myself. All of these things!

Aside from these big things, though, there are also constant little things that make life so beautiful. Life can be hard. Stressful. Overwhelming. So easily overcomplicated and confused. And when life is that way, I’m even more likely to fall into the trap of longing for the “next” thing.

Sometimes It’s the Little Things That Bring Thankfulness

That’s why the cry of my heart is to never overlook the day to day… the things that fill and create a life. The spring breeze on a bad day. The friend who randomly calls. The note on your birthday. A smile from a stranger. These are the things that give life and complete the painting of what God has given us — a beautiful life, no matter the stage.

Now, this doesn’t mean settling. This doesn’t mean you don’t dream for God’s next “step” for your life. It just means that you are full, no matter the stage you find yourself in. You don’t rush from one thing to the next, and you know that your worth is not found in these things.

I’m preaching this to myself just as much as you; You and I are created to thrive in this life. Know this: Whatever your struggles are today, you were created for more than them. You were created to live a full life and enjoy the presence of God each and every day. I’m a believer that such “little” things are God winks, and I think you should be too.

And you know what, maybe that’s the exact reason I’m here. God’s growing me and that’s reason enough to be thankful.

So while I’m in this stage, I’m learning to be intentionally thankful (even on the hard days) for the big and little. I’m sure the next stage will be beautiful, but that doesn’t mean that these aren’t too.

Practical Tips to Cultivate Contentment

Since I’m learning to dream of today and tomorrow, I wanted to share some of the practical things that are helping me grow:

• Use a gratitude journal. I’ve made it a part of my “quiet time” routine to write down what I’m thankful for today.
• Tell someone else what you’re thankful for. This is a big one for me — sharing with my husband about today always helps.
• Slow. Down. Life doesn’t do us any favors in this arena, but when I force myself to slow down I notice the smaller things easier.
• Focus on my strengths. I’m aware enough to know that sometimes when I’m wishing away today, it’s because I think I’ll be better tomorrow. You are enough today. I am enough today.
• Lastly, if possible, reduce stress. What are the things today that are making you wish it away? Can you change them? If so, do it. If not, practice controlling your response and find a method to clear your mind from them.

I’m by no means perfect in this, but I’m definitely growing. My prayer for anyone reading this is that they are able to find peace in the today they’re living.