Contentment - Page 2

Hoovie · #11 02-09-2009, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Steinway

I believe that a certain balance has to be obtained in contentment. It can be our best friend or worst enemy!

The difference is in the level of assertiveness applied. One can be so content that they never seek change to better their life for themselves or their family. For instance, one can be content with a high school education and never seek higher learning which would give them better job security and income for their future.

On the other hand, their are folks that are driven to always be looking for something better, not taking the time to reflect and be thankful for what they currently have.

Yes indeed. I am certainly not saying give it all up. But find a level of contentment while in the pursuit of a better life. I like your signature ... "If we don't change our direction we're likely to end up where we're headed."

I do think the expectations of how it will be when we "arrive" are often distorted reality, and we often "get there" just in time to see someone raised the bar and moved the cheese.

ILG · #12 02-09-2009, 08:06 AM

Probably my biggest discontent has been realizing that education is worthwhile. I wish I would have raised my kids to be more education minded and less church minded. I hadn't realized how important an education has become until we left the UPC. When I got into the UPC, that was back when you could actually make a living climbing the ladder. I know a person can do that now too, but it is much harder...jobs are becoming more and more scarce without a degree. My daughter has always been a good student....my son, that is another matter. I have to keep reminding myself that there is always a plan B. But it makes me feel like a failure and I get very discontented with the fact that I did not see things sooner. It's also hard to let go and say "Kids make their own choices". They do....to some degree. But, part of it is how they were raised.

commonsense · #13 02-09-2009, 09:01 AM

Good thoughts on contentment.

The serenity prayer comes to mind:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

It's not always easy > and the grass does look greener....

ILG · #14 02-09-2009, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by commonsense

Good thoughts on contentment.

The serenity prayer comes to mind:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

It's not always easy > and the grass does look greener....

That's one of my favorite prayers. It is really quite brilliant...it really covers all the bases.

Cindy · #15 02-09-2009, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

Some times not being content is a good thing, imo.

It's in these moments that we have to question the sources behind the discontentment, right?

Somethings you really can't change the quicker you realize it, the better you'll be.

Somethings you could change, but you have to weigh the costs.

Somethings you should simply change, correct, etc.

Whaddya think?

You are right Mike, we learn a lot in the struggles we go through. As long as we don't give in to the struggle, and let our minds fill with despair. I think that's what the Apostle Paul learned. He was not always living a joyful life, but learned that whatever he was going through to be settled in his mind.

ILG · #16 02-09-2009, 09:47 AM

Got this in my email inbox. Looks like it fits this thread.

Quote:

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.'
When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this
sentence... 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will
not protect you.' Something good will happen to you today; something that
you have been waiting to hear.

Cindy · #17 02-09-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILG

Probably my biggest discontent has been realizing that education is worthwhile. I wish I would have raised my kids to be more education minded and less church minded. I hadn't realized how important an education has become until we left the UPC. When I got into the UPC, that was back when you could actually make a living climbing the ladder. I know a person can do that now too, but it is much harder...jobs are becoming more and more scarce without a degree. My daughter has always been a good student....my son, that is another matter. I have to keep reminding myself that there is always a plan B. But it makes me feel like a failure and I get very discontented with the fact that I did not see things sooner. It's also hard to let go and say "Kids make their own choices". They do....to some degree. But, part of it is how they were raised.

Maybe more Jesus minded than church minded. I know it's probably hard to separate the two. And then there are people that waste great educations. So you do the best you can with what you know at the time. Then contentment may be able to be achieved.

ILG · #18 02-09-2009, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cindy

Maybe more Jesus minded than church minded. I know it's probably hard to separate the two. And then there are people that waste great educations. So you do the best you can with what you know at the time. Then contentment may be able to be achieved.

I am all for being God-minded, but the church teaches committment to church sometimes even more than to God.

I think there is more than one way to be successful and sometimes we just have to remember that. The world points one way, the church another. But godliness with contentment is great gain. Maybe true success is being content. Maybe we need to use the right measuring stick.

Yesterday, I got stuck with my husband's pick-up truck. I am used to having an all wheel drive and the truck was in 2 wheel drive. I was trying to move the truck and spinning my wheels. A guy came up and said I needed to lock the hubs and put it into 4 wheel drive. He did a couple things and I drove right out.

I think life is like that sometimes. You spin your wheels not knowing the power to drive right out is right under your nose. It's in you. You just need a little shift and you can drive right out.

Ron · #19 02-09-2009, 11:01 AM

"Contentment in circumstances is good!

However, any man who has desires, may not be satisfied.

Contentment & Satisfaction are 2 very different things I believe.

RevDWW · #20 02-09-2009, 12:08 PM

1 Timothy 6(KJV) 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Wow that's some powerful stuff right there in those 5 verses.