Looking at life with the right attitude
16 Dec
Ecc 5:19-20 “Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.”
Over the last few months I’ve been on quite a journey, a journey that has been full of resentment and not enough gladness and contentment. It started when I began going out with friends once a week and that’s when I became resentful of my own life. One friend has an older daughter who can babysit at any stage if she wants to go anywhere and she and her husband are alot more financially secure than we are, another friend has four children who are all grown up and capable of looking after themselves – that’s where the trouble was for me.
I was becomming resentful of the fact that I had to pay a babysitter with money that we were short of and I was angry about not being able to go out when I wanted – oh dear…God spoke to me a few nights ago about coveting other peoples lives and not being content enough with my own. We each have different journey in life and lessons to learn, last year I learned about patience and this year I’m learning about contentment and being peaceful with what I have. If I really put my own selfish pride aside I can clearly see that my husband is a good provider and father to our three children, we’re healthy, we might find it hard to pay bills sometimes but at least we have our own house, I have a computer with the internet, we don’t really want for anything – I should have been happy but I wasn’t.
Once God spoke to me with the above verse I knew what I was missing was a gladness of heart. I don’t want to have a heart full of anger, jealousy and resentment. God calls me to be different from others as a Christian and to go on a journey with Him not to be full of pleasures and distractions of the world.
Thank you so much for writing this post. It’s as if you peeked into my heart and mind and wrote it for all to see.
I really needed it.
Thank you.
May your heart smile brightly dear one.
Paul says that we are to “learn” to be content. This is definetly something all of us have had to deal with at some time in our lives. I am in the stage that your friends are at …grown children…. and we have more freedom to come and go when we want than when they were younger. Even though it is a nice place to finally be … believe me there are times that we wish we had ballgames to rush off to and duties to keep our attention. Your children will grow so quickly. Enjoy it while you can. Thanks for sharing such a deep part of your heart!
Enjoyed your post,and we’ve all been there at least once.The best part is the lessons learned! Love in Christ Numbers 6:24~26
Oh, Amy! This verse spoke to me! I’ve just returned from Kenya and I’m struggling with the fact that I have and there are so many that have nothing. This is yet another Scripture the Lord has brought to me to gain perspective.
Thank you, dear sister for your candor and transparency.
I sure love how God’s Word can change our whole way of thinking (our perspective on life). Thank you for sharing so honestly and so humbly! It blessed my heart!
Oh my sweet friend Amy,
Thank you for putting yourself out there and being real. I am humbled at your faith to turn to the Lord withyour feelings. Girl, I have been there. I struggle with this too from time to time. I wll lean on Him…
Thank you for reminding me. Lov you.