I’ve never been one who randomly chooses a word for the year. Instead, I’ve noticed a word usually finds me.
Last year, near the end of January, my word for the year materialized when a friend asked me to give her a word to include in a watercolor she was painting for me. Immediately, the word “hope” came to mind.
This year, on the anniversary of Jim’s death, the word “contentment” sprang to mind. Contentment: a state of peaceful happiness, willing to accept a particular thing despite wanting more. As I renew forward motion, God has given me the gift of contentment.
Enemies of Contentment
Comparisons – One of the greatest enemies of contentment is comparing yourself to others. Most of us are hard on ourselves. We can always find ways, in our own shortsightedness, that we don’t measure up to those we admire. However, God created each of us uniquely, with gifts and talents specific to our personalities. When you compare yourself to others, you, in essence, chide God for not doing a better job. Instead, discover your areas of giftedness and utilize them to benefit others.
Envy – The “green-eyed monster” of envy robs many of the gift of contentment. When you covet the material possessions of others, their looks, or lifestyle, you cheat yourself of joy. Recognize all the ways you are blessed and refuse to let envy steal contentment.
Entitlement – How many times have you seen advertising that uses the words “you deserve it?” Thinking we deserve more than we have promotes a mindset of entitlement. Instead, give thanks for all God has graciously given you.
Cultivating Contentment
Acceptance – Often, we find it hard to accept life circumstances. Seasons of illness, grief, financial hardship, caregiving, or on-going interpersonal struggles set us up to experience discontentment. By accepting your current situation, instead of complaining about it, you can move forward with contentment as your beacon of hope. Just as seasonal changes come and go, so your circumstances will change.
Gratitude – Maintaining an attitude of gratitude creates a climate of contentment. Look for ways God is blessing you now and has blessed you in the past. Recognize the support and encouragement of others.
Trust – Sometimes we forget God has a good plan for our lives. God doesn’t create us, then wind us up, set us to “forward motion,” and leave us to fend for ourselves. Even when life feels like God isn’t paying attention, He is. God is aware of our struggles and times when we are discontent with our circumstances. By trusting God’s perfect plan for our lives, we can remain content, even when our world tilts.
No matter what you’ve chosen, or discovered, as your word for the year, recognize and cultivate the gift of contentment.
“Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]! (Hebrews 13:5 AMP).”
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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