How to feel content with where you are
Hi friends!
Sometimes the holiday season, or a life season, can feel like one long to-do list of things to do, stuff to buy, places to go, people to see. Before the celebrating even begins, we feel spread thin, like we don’t have enough to give financially, physically, emotionally, spiritually. What if instead of looking at what the world tells us we need to own and how to be, we focus instead on who the Lord tells us we already are: His children. We are each precious to Him in this very moment, in every moment. Yes, we’re meant to grow and do, but we’re also meant to be at peace.
In contentment there is peace because in Jesus there is peace. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
Elder Neil A. Andersen reminds us, that “All that we have and all that we are comes from God.” In every life circumstance, we’re never forgotten by Heavenly Father, who loves us more than we can comprehend.
Feel Better in 5! How to find contentment where you are!
Be present.
A friend of Magnify said it this way: If you’re in the line at Costco, be in the line at Costco. Nothing we do will make the checkout process go faster or get us out of a crowd sooner, but we can make the experience fulfilling by taking notice of who the Lord puts in our path.
See abundance.
Busy with too many activities? A perspective shift can help us look at a full schedule as an abundance of activities, even a bounty of activities. Or perhaps we don’t feel like we have a lot of time, but we have abundant energy to accomplish the many things on our schedules. The Lord will make what we have enough, or He will help make us enough for what we have.
Look for micro joy moments.
The jingle a pet’s collar makes when they shake their head. The running thumps of footsteps racing down the stairs. The smell of a favorite treat waiting on the counter. When we’re feeling dissatisfied, noticing the little, perfect things in life can bring a sense of contentment and happiness.
Know your season in life.
Most often, feelings of happiness and sadness, or worry and peace, must coexist because of where we're at in life. With the Lord, we can bear all things—and find contentment. “And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord. (Alma 24:15)
Be real with God.
If you’re not content, pray. Spill out all the real feelings, all the big worries, all of it. We can show God every corner of our hearts, even though He already is aware of how we’re feeling, and ask for help to feel His peace and know He is with us. “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)
Hilary Craner shared on the Magnify podcast, “The source of contentment is our loving Heavenly Father. While he may not change our circumstances, he can help us as we seek to feel content despite the difficult or trying times we may find ourselves in. He delights in blessing us and will help us recognize those blessings that are continually flowing over—even in moments when we feel we have been forgotten.”