Contentment

If you remember back to the Spring, I felt a calling to give up complaining for Lent. It was important to me because it's something I do like it's my hobby. 

During Lent, I became pretty good at not complaining. However, as soon as it was over I am ashamed to say that complaining became apart of most of my conversations again. 

Today, I was talking with John on the phone and he joked that I was being boring. Mostly, it was just because I usually have a million things to say and was being rather quiet. I really didnt have anything new to share, as my day was actually boring. haha. When he said that, I jokingly said "well, I could think of something to complain about!" and wham. Is that really who I have become? I need something to complain about to be entertained or hold a conversation (not exactly, but let me exaggerate to make my point!). I realized that I do complain an awful lot again. John even said- you dont need to complain! Let's talk about something we are looking forward to. Duh. Why didnt I think of that? 

I need to be more content with my life. Let me rephrase that. I AM content with my life, but let me show that through my words and my actions. As I was thinking about all of this today, I happened to stumble upon an article about this exact topic! Coincidence? I dont think so, I think it was all God directing me to words I needed to hear. Thanks God and Pinterest! ;D 

The article was all about being thankful for everything. She talks about how hard it is to be discontent when she is actively being thankful. I need to practice this. When I really want to complain about something, I want to practice being thankful instead. 

For example, I'm really frustrated with phone. It's broken and it's irritating me. BUT instead of complaining about it- I really have a lot to be thankful for. I have an iphone. My job pays my bill. I am able to wait until the new iphone comes out before I purchase a new phone. A NEW phone. See. So much more to be thankful for than there is to complain about. 

I know this wont be easy. I know it's going to be extremely difficult. It's going to take a lot of practice and patience (ha!) with myself. BUT I believe if I pray for it, it's something that I can actively try to do and maybe even be successful at:D 

Here is the article I was talking about: http://gracefullmama.com/battling-discontent-with-thankfulness/

She has a lot of great ones- especially about marriage! I encourage you to read :D