Patience is Good--Contentment is Better!

Contentment requires us to trade personal and immediate gratification for a heightened sense of appreciation. And those who live in a state of contentment possess a treasure of great worth.

We’re not used to seeing that in this world, in fact the media conditions us to want more, expect more, and anticipate more. But when circumstances don’t reward us the way we hoped that they would, we patiently wait, dream, and imagine what life “will” be like when we finally reach the island of “more.”

Patience is good, but contentment is better. Contentment doesn’t look to the future in hope of a change. It doesn’t silently dream while the days pass us by. And it doesn’t wish that today was tomorrow. Contentment lives in each present moment with an attitude of gratitude. The reward is at hand.

I knew of one husband who wanted to be a carpenter so badly that he set up a table saw in the bedroom of their little apartment and built cabinets. No—he didn’t clean up after himself, his wife vacuumed the saw dust and moved his tools off of the bed at night.

30 years later this couple is happily married. He has a big garage for his tools and has built her a beautiful kitchen. The secret to their success is that this woman has always looked past his faults where she sees a kind, generous man and amazing father. She sees the reward today holds.

Be thankful for where you are today in your marriage. Finances might be tight, his habits might grate on your nerves, you might feel out of shape, or you might sense that the romance is gone. All that might very well be true, but there’s a fine gem that’s waiting to be held in the palm of your hand. Hold on to contentment—the reward is at hand.


Rejoice always, pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18


You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

For comments or questions, contact me at:
darlene[at]darleneschacht.net