Content, but not Complacent

"Delighted in this season of life no matter where I will be, yet still praying for my hopes and my dreams.   

Satisfied under a rented roof, while stewarding our money well, to buy a house one day in which we will dwell.

I relish my marriage, yet am always learning how to love more like Jesus & to be less selfish.

Grateful with the titles in my life: daughter, sister, & wife; while surrendering my hopes of being a mother to the one who is sovereign like no other.

Learning how to not need to perform or achieve, but rather focusing on whose I am and what I believe.

Content with my diagnosis, while still researching next steps & trusting the Lord for healing as my focus.

Pleased with not having to earn God’s grace one bit, but still learning how to pick up my cross daily & continually submit.

Glad to not have all of the answers or my ducks in a row, because life is better living content in the unknown!" DB

Life is not just lived in the captivating celebrations. More often than not, we reside in the mundane moments. Learning how to be content, but not complacent in whatever season of life we are in is truly medicine for the soul.

Paul says it this way...

Philippians 4:11-13 "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Verse 13 is a very common verse that many people take out of context. Paul is saying that he can be content in all things because of his relationship with Jesus that gives him strength.

Not by willing himself to do so, but by surrendering and leaning on the Lord.

We as humans crave excitement and adventure.

It’s why so many people have a kid so soon after they get married (no hate- can’t say I haven’t thought about it myself)

Or why a big move can sound so appealing (been there, done that!)

New jobs, new cars, new relationships, new amazon packages...

We crave the next big thing and look down on people that seem "content."

Don't get me wrong, I think goals and aspirations can be super beneficial! However, if we are so focused on the future or even the past, how can we be joyful and content with what God has given us in the NOW?

I heard someone say one time that "you are currently living one of the prayers you used to pray," and it really spoke to me. How often do we pray so hard for something and then once we have it, we forget to be grateful and we just move on to the next prayer.

For example, I prayed over my future marriage and husband so many times, but I forget to delight in that incredible gift everyday.

Similarly, I prayed to get to play college volleyball for years, but oftentimes I found myself wanting to complain rather than being content when I was living that answered prayer.

I wrote that poem at the beginning of this post as a reminder for myself to look at life around me and be grateful for where I am at. To be content in my current answered prayer, or in my waiting season. I am still praying, trusting, working, learning, and surrendering rather than being complacent in life, but my focus has shifted. I choose to be content with what God has given me and what God is doing in this season.

How many seasons of your life could you look back on and wish that you had been more grateful and content?

When I first started college, I regretted not spending more time with my parents in high school because I missed them so much.

When I graduated college, I regretted not hanging out with some of my friends more often and doing silly things with them such as watching old movies and having sleepovers.

You don't realize that kind of stuff is sometimes only around for a season.

Don't regret this season of life that you are in right NOW. Choose to be content by surrendering daily to the Lord and growing in your relationship with Christ.

Social media tells you to "romanticize your life."

The Word says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Life might not always look romantic.

Poopy diapers & sleepless nights are probably in your future. (Literally got interrupted while writing that to go help my sister with a little accident from her kiddos haha!) Point proven.

& if not those lovely endeavors, something "unromantic" will come your way... sometimes your poison is picked for you.

No matter what life may look like, we are called to rejoice, pray, and give thanks. In my opinion, that sounds a lot like the definition of being CONTENT.

As always... Give 'Em Heaven,

Delaney Burnett (Dilfer) :)