Called to Contentment

A while back I was reading the obituary of an old woman. I'm sorry to say that I forget her name, but something struck me as I read through the snapshot that was her life. It said something like this, "Mom was a contented woman."

Wow.

Years ago, before I had fully surrendered my life to Christ, I would have scoffed at that statement. Oh, big deal, she was content. But now, I could say that is my life's goal. Paul wrote that he has learned to be content with little and with much. What a testament to God.

Many of you know my desire to have a home in the country with some land and maybe some woods. And here we are, 5 years living in the city with who knows how many more to come. However, I truly believe that God has us here for a reason, and until that reason is fulfilled, we will be here. What is God teaching me right here, where I am? Contentment. Maybe when I am fully content here in the city, God will open doors for us to move. (We could be here a VERY long time with how I feel some days!!)

What I love about city living:

1. We are close to almost everything (grocery/mall/doctors/Trent's office/etc.)
2. The dog park (this is for the kids)
   
3. Sidewalks
4. Splits & Giggles Ice Cream Shop (on our street, 2 blocks south!)
5. Parks in walkable distance
6. No yard to mow

Of course, most of these have the reverse which could seem negative. Sure, we have no yard to mow, but that also means we have no yard to play in!! I would have to say that the biggest positive is how close Trent is to work. He gets home consistently at about 5:15. I can't complain about that! And since we have no yard to mow it frees up a considerable amount of time in the warmer months to enjoy the dog park and taking walks.

I certainly do not want to be the nagging wife that Solomon warns us not to be throughout Proverbs. I'm trying to be a living example to my daughters of how a good wife should act. Constant complaining is not the way to keep your husband happy at home. Praise God for a Bible full of life lessons and examples!

When I die, if my children can write in my obituary, "Mom was a contented woman." I'll be happy! =)

Contentment in Pictures