How to be Content and Grateful
by Toyosi Adegunle
Hey, fam! I hope you have had it good so far. I hope you're walking in love, power, strength and faith in Jesus.
A few days ago, I resumed work earlier than I should have, as usual, because the people of Lagos and traffic in Lagos are in constant battle and this time, I won. I hope I continually win 😩
I met my colleague and we had a conversation about gratitude and contentment. It was a short one, yet it served as a good reminder for us both.
Lately, I think about the numerous things I still want to do, work on, and have in life and I realize that my desires are not going to end anytime soon. I have concluded that this is how life works and this is how humans are wired - to want and desire things every time. Maybe it's why the scripture says "Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name"Psalms 103:1 (NKJV).
This scripture feels like a reminder for the soul of man because we are quick to forget, we don't give ourselves the breathing space to be grateful for the things we asked for and got, before asking for another thing or pursuing other things.
A few years ago, you prayed for the job you have now, you prayed for the friends you have now, you prayed for the admission you have now, but you now have new desires, wants and ambition and you forget to be grateful for the ones you asked for and got. This is a gentle reminder to be grateful per time, per request and their answers. Let gratitude be a lifestyle for you - whether you got what you asked for or not, be grateful. Try as much as possible to remind yourself that where you are right now is an answered prayer.
A lot of times, this forgetfulness is out of a lack of contentment. It's important to be at peace with yourself in every phase of your life. This is not to say you can't be ambitious or desire new and big things, you definitely can and should, but through it all, be content, be grateful and be at peace with yourself.
What the scripture says
Colossians 3:17 NKJV"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him"
Philippians 4:6 NKJV "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God"
I Timothy 6:6 NKJV "Now godliness with contentment is great gain."
3 PRACTICAL WAYS TO BE GRATEFUL
1. Keep a Journal: Document your experiences and write one or two things you're grateful for each day. This would help you to stay in tune with your blessings and remain grateful
2. Set a gratitude alarm: Set an alarm for different times of the day to remind yourself of your blessings and the good things you have now.
3. Share it: Make it a habit to share testimonies of your blessings and little or bug wins with friends and family.
Desires and ambitions are endless, wants are insatiable. You will always want new things, but as you move along this life, remember to be grateful for the things you have now, for where you are now, and be content, even as you pursue your ambitions.
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