Be Content

Being content sometimes is not an easy thing to do.  There is the anticipation of what is upcoming that makes it hard to be content.  I remember when we had our first child and being so excited to see her roll over; then so excited for her to crawl; then so excited for her to walk, and the excitement continued for all the new milestones.  It was hard to be content in the moment because of the excitement that exuded out of us as new parents.  

Lately, being content has taken a little different tone.  Life has not gone as “planned” and being content is not as joyful.  My husband ended up in the hospital and had to have surgery.  He is now having to sit at home and recover and being content with that has not been the easiest task.  There is so much to be done at work and to sit back and do nothing is unconceivable. Yet, it is a very necessary action as that is the only way he will heal.  

No matter if one is excited about an upcoming thing or waiting for something to come to an end, there is something to be said about being content.  With our third child we relished in each milestone because we didn’t want her to grow up so fast.  We were content in the “aging” process.  The same can be said for “having” to sit at home while healing.  As a couple, the time we have to spend together is so limited and now we are in the same house for multiple days in a row; it truly is an unexpected blessing.  It is a chance to simply enjoy each other’s company.  We can be content with that!    

Philippians 4:11 notes: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”  Living within a society that is on the go all the time and looking at what is to come we forget to be content in the moment that God has given us.  Don’t miss out on those moments because you are so anxious to move on.   

Cheryl

Silence

Is there ever a time that there is silence around you?  No TV, no phone, no radio, no kids, no spouse, no people, nothing?  The likelihood of anyone answering yes to that is slim these days.  We are inundated with sound coming from all different things.  The challenge we have with all that noise is there is little quiet time with God.

I was facilitating a bible study today and the question was before us - could you take 24 hours and be in "silence" with God?  Those 24 hours would be filled with scripture and prayer and would not include TV, phone, people, etc.  I think the common feeling around the room was anxiety of just how those 24 hours would go.  How could anyone really fill 24 hours with scripture and prayer?

It is doable and I know people who have done more than 24 hours.  Having noted that, these people didn't just decide to take 24 hours and spend it with God.  They started off with small chunks and worked up to gaining an appreciation for the "silence" that surrounds them during this time.  It actually has become a time that is welcomed.

The question I have for you is what are the obstacles that get in your way of spending time with God?  I'm sure we could all list a number of things; but if we think about them and are aware of them then maybe we can set them aside for short amounts of time and spend that time with our Savior.  Is there anything to lose in trying it?  Really, there is everything to gain.

What do you think...Could you use some silence?


Cheryl