Reflections - Contentment

From the very beginning of this week the Lord has been working on my heart in the area of contentment. Monday, in my quiet time with the Lord, I was just really struck by the verse in Matthew 6 where Jesus says "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you" The "these things" in this passage refers to food, clothes, shelter, and all the things that are necessary to live...and I think even a few blessings on top. :) So I prayed that the Lord would help me to trust him; that I would be kingdom-minded and trust Him for the "all these things." And then...as if the Enemy was some how not at all happy with my prayer of contentment he comes lurking in with some fiery darts that have made this week a battle for contentment. Fiery dart #1: Thought planted "If I only had 3 bedrooms...just a bigger place to live things would be so much easier" -- discontentment. Fiery dart #2: Thought planted: "I am sooo ready for this season of life to be over!" --discontentment. Fiery dart # 3: Opportunity presents itself...I get excited...opportunity leaves. --discontentment. There were so many of these fiery darts this week and I really battled to stay focused being fully satisfied in the Lord. But God.....aren't those the 2 sweetest words ever "but God"...you know something exciting is about to happen when you hear those 2 little words. God didn't leave me to battle on my own. He sent a new friend to say something to me that I don't think I'll ever forget. She said, "Don't wait for your life to finally happen or you'll miss it all together." Boom!! That hit me like a semi! Life is now! My babies are young now! I don't want to miss any part of this or any part of what God would have me to do because I'm too busy looking at what was or what could be. I want to be still and listen to God's voice and direction in opportunities to share the gospel, how I can love my husband well, how I can teach and shepherd my boys, how I can love others....all of those things I can do NOW! And what is more important? Do I need a bigger house to accomplish those tasks...no! Do I need to be better off financially to love and serve my family and my neighbors...no! Life is now! Lord, help me to always see that and to stay content in your all-sufficient love and grace for me each and every day.