I recently returned to teaching school after being a stay-at-home mom for 23 years. What a challenge it has been to balance work, family, church, and taking care of the home! I remember the days when my mornings started frantically, getting all the kids ready for school, lunches made, some form of breakfast in hand as we ran out the door, kissing my husband goodbye as he left for work. I would return home to a quiet, peaceful house. I would pour a steaming cup of coffee, settle into my comfy chair with Bible and journal in my lap. This was my time with the Lord, my favorite time of the day, a time of leisure. After an hour, I would begin chores, merrily singing worship songs that I made up as I went along, or singing whatever came to mind. Sometimes I think, "those were the good 'ole days!" Yet the Holy Spirit gently reminds me that, "No, you were not always content back then. Remember how you felt isolated, insignificant, always learning with no opportunities to make a difference in the life of others."Why is it that we sometimes struggle with contentment? What is it that leads us to that dark place?
I have enjoyed reading "The Blessed Life," by Robert Morris. One of the themes is that we are to have a heart of thanksgiving in all things! We become discontented when we focus on what we do not have, rather than on Who God is and what He has done for us! I prayed that God would increase my territory, my influence of ministry, from a household of three children, to more. He answered that prayer. He blessed me with opportunities to teach home Bible Studies, Church Bible Studies, and Ladies Retreats. Now that I have returned to teaching, I am reaching nearly 100 students per day. He has truly increased my territory!
Regardless of the struggles you may be dealing with, remember the words of Paul, "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Phil. 4:11-13
Balancing all the demands can only be achieved by laying a strong foundation of spending time with the Lord at the best time of our day. I am a morning person, so He gets my mornings. I have had to change my rising time in order to schedule time with the Lord, but it is well worth it. When I spend time in the throneroom, at the feet of Jesus, it keeps my mind refreshed, my heart renewed, and the Spirit within me quickened. I am more aware of His presence throughout the day, which ultimately leads to contentment and peace, because I am relying on Him who strengthens me! So rejoice with a heart of thanksgiving for what the Lord has done for you! Make a choice today to speak only in the positive, biting your tongue when negative thoughts enter your mind! "Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations." (Psalms 100:4-5)
Blessings!
Karen
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