The Secret of Being Content with Life.

There must be something built into the American psyche that leaves us discontent with where we’re at in life.

Perhaps it’s broader than that, maybe it’s a part of the human condition, but it just seems so magnified in the USA. Many are always striving for more…… a bigger house, a nicer car, or the highest paying job.

Now there’s nothing innately wrong with any of those except for when we are striving for those things, we can become so preoccupied and discontent that we miss out on enjoying the moment and the relationships that are in our lives.

During my recent trip back to the States, I was catching up with an old friend and we began to discuss this curse that seems to be on most of us..Why are we not content with what we have? Why does the grass always seem greener on the other side? Why can’t we just enjoy the place in life we have been given?

The church doesn’t seem to offer anything better as they are often preaching for us to achieve our God given destiny, pursue the greatness that’s in us, and  steps to live our best life ever. So my friend and I pondered this and wondered is this the message Jesus was preaching or have we been led astray?

We both came to the conclusion that we have been fed a lie both from the world and the church. God wants us to be content with what he’s given. He wants us to focus on relationships and not material gain. He wants us to do things that bring soul fulfillment and not a hefty paycheck or fame and recognition.

My outlook is shifting as I learn to live in the momment and enjoy the journey instead of always staring off into the horizon, anticipating the next big thing. I’m discovering that contentment is one of the keys to happiness and the joy of life is in the journey not neccessarily the destination.