The scriptures do not change, but we do,
and so the same scriptures can give us new insights
every time we read them.
Mervyn B. Arnold
I started off with this quote because I could not have worded it any better. The exact same scripture has taught me the same lesson during different seasons of my life. In January 2012, I started writing scripture cards where each week I wrote down a verse of scripture and on the back side I wrote down why & what I was feeling at the time.
My VERY FIRST scripture in January 2012 was:
On the back of the card I wrote: I love and chose this verse to focus on because so often all I do is look forward to the next adventure. I need to focus on being content with where I am, to slow down and enjoy where I am now in this moment. Then I cross referenced "Find Joy in the Journey" and
Alma 29:3
But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish;
for I ought to be CONTENT with the things which the Lord hath allotted me.
In 2012 I had just come off a high of an incredible summer being and EFY (church youth) counselor and a zip line tour guide in the Smokey Mountains. I kept looking ahead and thinking about the next summer and adventure. This scripture humbled me and reminded me to be content in the state of life I was in right then and to find joy right now and not wish my days away looking ahead. I was in my junior year of college & loving life, but I was reminded to love the life I was living right now and be fully present.
Then three months later these verses took on a whole new meaning. As I lay on a physical therapy mat watching other patients get up in standing frames, attend pool therapy, walk in the robotic Locomat. I was so frustrated. Due to all the broken bones in my legs and feet I had explicit restrictions on what physical therapy I could do and weight bearing was out of the question. Even nonweight bearing pool therapy was o a no because of the k-wires that were sticking out of my toes. I remember looking at another patient who I knew was a complete SCI, meaning they would get no return of muscles or feeling to their legs, but they were getting up in the standing frame and I was so envious. That was what I wanted to be doing, but instead I'm side laying on the mat working on these frustrating twitches muscle movements.
Suddenly, the reminder that "I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hat allotted me" came to mind and I was immediately humbled. The Lord had allotted me so much already and he wanted me to be CONTENT. He allotted me my life, my ability to speak, think and continue to build connections and relationship. He not only preserved my body, but had allotted some sensation and a little strength to return to my legs. He preserved my t6 vertebrae, which was broken, but had not caused any spinal cord damage. It was a gentle and loving reminder that I was not meant to stay in this season forever, but for now to be content and be patient for the growth and progress that is to come. One day I would be able to get up in the standing frame, one day I would get in the pool, one day I would walk on the Locomat and even on the ground.
Most recently, I learned this lesson again after I had my first baby I am home a lot more. As we've rearranged furniture to fit baby gear into our new world. I began to get frustrated with some of our furniture. It wasn't the color nor the size or comfort level I'd like. I avoided inviting people over into what felt like a makeshift apartment and I did my best to cut it out of pictures. Once again, the reminder came to be content. Eventually we'll get a sectional couch that will provide more seating and comfort, but for right now I need to be content. After that realization I invited friends and neighbors over to decorate Valentines day cookies because why not! It was a wonderful evening of fun and cookie decorating and when mention of hanging things on the walls my neighbors reassuring told me that they hadn't hung much up either.
As winter turned into spring and now summer I've watched neighbor and neighbor move out of our street of duplexes into their own homes. Once again I longed to move and have a back yard and door that we could go out and enjoy so I don't have to walk Cooper and Will down the street every time we want to play outside. Then I remembered what we had been praying for over a year ago - handicap accessible housing to rent. When I found these duplexes it was an answer to our prayers because finding a two car garage home to rent with no stairs is almost impossible. Yet here we are living in this two car garage handicap accessible home. As the time came to renew our lease I was humbled and signed again being reminded to be CONTENT and that this home was an answer to prayers. Although it's not meant to be our forever home, I needed to be content until the time comes to progress and move forward.
Wherever you are in life right now - whether that be in high school, college or beyond, a particular job, single, married or somewhere in between, wanting to lose 5 or 50 pounds, in a apartment or a home - we need to strive to BE CONTENT.
Heavenly Father doesn't want you to stay there forever, this life is about progress and growth.
But if you truly want to find joy right here and now, then you need to start with being content with what you have and where you are RIGHT NOW. As we find more contentment we will find more joy.
Here's a couple of my favorite talks that focus on contentment & gratitude in our current circumstances I promise they are SO WORTH YOUR TIME:
Click here to listen -> Content with Things Allotted Unto Us
PONDERING PROCEEDS CONTENTMENT
Being content means acceptance without self-pity. Meekly borne, however, deprivations such as these can end up being like excavations that make room for greatly enlarged souls.
We are to do what we can within our allotted 'acerage' while still using whatever stretch there may be in any tethers.
Some undergo searing developments that cut suddenly into moralities status quo. Some have trials to pass through while other have allotments they are to live with. Paul lived with his 'thorn in the flesh' (2 Cor 12:7)
Life's defining moments come within our allotments...our responses are what matter.
Such contentment is more than shoulder-shrugging passivity. It reflects our participative assent rather than uncaring resignation.
The Lord knows our circumstances and the intents of our hearts, and surely the talents and gifts he has given us. He is able to gauge perfectly how we have performed within what is allotted to us.
Click here to listen -> Grateful in Any Circumstances
"I do not believe the Lord expects us to be less thankful in times of trial than in times of abundance and ease."
"Being grateful in times of distress does not mean that we are pleased with our circumstances. It does mean that through the eyes of faith we look beyond our present-day challenges."
"We can choose to be grateful, NO MATTER WHAT."
