I was on my way home from the barn when I noticed Daisy’s pasture door fully open and Daisy was not there. I had just led her into the pasture 5 minutes earlier. Obviously, there was some user error with the lock. Just then, I saw a roan horse galloping across the land heading toward the exit to the road. I quickly went into flight mode and tore off after her. Thankfully, several staff was ahead of me in the endeavor. One of the staff got the entrance to the stable shut while we all went in hot pursuit of my runaway mare.
Daisy, in those few short minutes, was able to rile up every horse there due to her antics. As she flitted and flirted with all the other fenced horses, she seemed to say “Ha-ha, I’m free and you’re not!” The truth was, Daisy was not free. She was not safe at all being on her own. She could have run into a hole, slid, fallen, or gone out on the busy road. Without a fence, she was in danger.
Why is it so hard to be satisfied? Why do we constantly search for more? The grass seems to look greener on the other side, but is it? If only I could _________. If we could just get__________, life would be better. It seems like ________ has a perfect life. Why haven’t we been blessed with _______? Daisy was looking for more. How do you and I do the same thing?
We tend to go through life always wishing, always hoping this or that would be different. Once this or that is different, we most assuredly have it made. Even after we get this or that, there’s something more to be sought, better than before. And the vicious cycle goes on and on.
Many people appear to be calm and happy on the outside, but inwardly, they struggle with a peaceful heart. True contentment is an inward peace that God can give, even during challenges and suffering in life. It doesn’t mean that life is perfect. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have personal and professional goals. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have fun.
Personally, I have found that contentment comes as I learn to live in the tension of what I don’t have. I don’t ignore the pain, but I learn to give the pain over to God and ask Him for peace. I can still cry out to God and let Him know what I’d like to see happen, but I rest in knowing that He always, always, always has His best for me. When we’re truly content, we realize there is no need to grumble or complain, because we can trust God is sovereign and taking care of us.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that whatever gain we have in this life is nothing “compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:8) There’s so much in life that I don’t know. But this I do know: When we put Christ and His kingdom first, it brings contentment. Peace. Satisfaction. I know because I’ve experienced it even in the darkest of times.
Are you looking for more? Jesus says, “Seek first the kingdom of God…and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Why is it so hard to be satisfied? Why do we constantly search for more? The grass seems to look greener on the other side, but is it? If only I could _________. If we could just get__________, life would be better. It seems like ________ has a perfect life. Why haven’t we been blessed with _______? Daisy was looking for more. How do you and I do the same thing?
We tend to go through life always wishing, always hoping this or that would be different. Once this or that is different, we most assuredly have it made. Even after we get this or that, there’s something more to be sought, better than before. And the vicious cycle goes on and on.
Many people appear to be calm and happy on the outside, but inwardly, they struggle with a peaceful heart. True contentment is an inward peace that God can give, even during challenges and suffering in life. It doesn’t mean that life is perfect. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have personal and professional goals. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have fun.
Personally, I have found that contentment comes as I learn to live in the tension of what I don’t have. I don’t ignore the pain, but I learn to give the pain over to God and ask Him for peace. I can still cry out to God and let Him know what I’d like to see happen, but I rest in knowing that He always, always, always has His best for me. When we’re truly content, we realize there is no need to grumble or complain, because we can trust God is sovereign and taking care of us.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that whatever gain we have in this life is nothing “compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:8) There’s so much in life that I don’t know. But this I do know: When we put Christ and His kingdom first, it brings contentment. Peace. Satisfaction. I know because I’ve experienced it even in the darkest of times.
Are you looking for more? Jesus says, “Seek first the kingdom of God…and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Maybe it's helpful to get a glimpse of heaven. Take a listen: Hymn of Heaven (Phil Wickham): https://www.youtube.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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