Being satisfied with what you have

Do you try to make your life conform to your wishes, or do you adapt to your life, accept what you must and learn to be satisfied?

It's a question to ponder.

Until most learn better, they believe they'll be happier if different things happen in their lives.

Many try to follow the path of parents and make mom and dad the role models for what they desire, but almost everyone has their dream tucked away.

After you attempt various vocations, jobs or paths to follow, is it what you wanted? Is the man or woman you sought to be your mate the perfect antidote for your life?

Are you disillusioned with your choice?

Whatever your answer is to these questions, what can you now do about it?

Do you keep searching, getting rid of what you have and looking elsewhere?

How about where you live? Does the beautiful, big house in the woods still satisfy you? Do you constantly move from one location to another trying for the perfect place, one that will make you more content?

A relative of mine is a good example.

Ted was a farmer. To begin with, he acquired a large amount of acreage. Then he married and fathered two children.

But during the time of their birth and adulthood, he began to get itchy feet.

He thought of all kinds of new careers he could tackle, but he never dared to try any. Instead, he went back and forth in his mind and was unable to enjoy what he had.

He and his wife both continued to farm the land, well into old age.

Although he failed to admit it, he actually loved the farm and his friends in his neighborhood, although he couldn't realize it. He was too busy believing the grass was greener elsewhere.

I remembered a story I heard as a child.

It was about a wife who simply couldn't be satisfied.

Since she was so unhappy, she kept wanting bigger and better things.

The woman was absolutely sure if her desires were fulfilled, she would be happy.

The couple kept acquiring bigger and better houses. Still the woman was unhappy.

Then, after she had moved into the best and largest house of all, guess what? Yes, the lady was still dissatisfied, still unhappy.

She was finally able to see she preferred the first, simpler place. All her searching for things to make her content was to no avail.

Ecclesiastes 6:1-12 talks about ways to look at what happens and truly brings contentment.

Solomon says to "Enjoy the blessings of this life" (6:1-6).

In other words, we need to keep God in the picture and enjoy the blessing we already have.

Learn to forget what you think you lack and learn to observe your circumstances and your perspective now.

Find out what you can be thankful for and notice the blessings you already have.

Are you to the point where you say, "I don't want a big house, a lot of people around all the time or a calendar filled to overflowing. I merely desire some time alone; time to meditate and seek what's genuinely worthwhile"?

You don't need a lot of recognitions or applause from others. Unless you feel God is directing your steps, you won't be happy for long.

If you want to get the right perspective of what makes you content and satisfied, talk with some who have little, but are more joyful than many who seemingly have it all.

Often, when you look back, you'll find it was when you had less that you were most content.

Ask yourself why. Perhaps it is the journey and the challenge that spurs you on.

Remember to keep God in the equation and learn where true happiness resides.

Accept what you have and where you are and the trials and blessings you're heir to.