Are You Looking For More Out of Life?

Are You Looking for More Out of Life?

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the

circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,

whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

(Philippians 4:11-12)

There was a time when I felt this way a lot.  It would be so nice if I had a better job, a more loving husband, lived in a bigger home, could afford a nice vacation, etc….  Yes over the years circumstances do change and while some are for the good, others might not be so good.  While the grass may be greener on the other side from a distance, but no matter where you look up close, you will still find weeds.   You might change your job for more money, but now you have a boss who doesn’t appreciate you.  Let’s say you moved into a bigger home, but now the housing market crashed and you are left upside down in equity and stuck with a house you can’t afford and now can’t even get rid of.  The scenarios could continue for a while, but I think you get the drift.  It’s human nature to always want more, but we really need to start looking and appreciating what we do have.  If you are unhappy with a situation in your life, before you go and make a drastic decision.  Talk to God about it, and listen to what He has to say.  Look within and think of how you can change your situation.  Instead of buying a bigger home, maybe you can update your existing home for a lot less money.  Have a heart-to-heart conversation with the person who is frustrating you and let them know how they are making you feel; I doubt they want you to feel that way.

For the longest time my husband and I wanted to move into a bigger home.  We actually put in a contract for one over an hour away from us and further from work.  But, God had another plan.  Our home didn’t sell and as it turned out, it was the best unanswered prayer ever.  We were buying a larger home with an in-law apartment for my mother-in-law, and not even a year later she passed away.  We would have been stuck with a house we didn’t need, would have been house-poor, and too far from family.  God’s plan was for us to stay put, update our kitchen, and live in the home we always wanted.

Sometimes, we are looking for change in others, but again, we need to look at ourselves.  We cannot change others; we can only change our reaction to others.  If you were to become more loving and show more respect, you will gain more love and respect in return in most cases.  Forgive yourself and you can forgive others.  Learn to love those you love for who they are, not what you want them to be.  Water your own grass and it will become greener; look within for change, and ask God for contentment, joy and peace with what you do have!