Contentment Isn't About Content

If they obey and serve Him they will spend their years in contentment.
Job 36:11


"Mommy, when I grow up I want to have four daughters. I want them to be named Hannah, Hayleigh, Clara and Carynne just like us."


Carynne has the gift of contentment. She rarely asks for material possessions and when she does make a request it's for something she wants when "she's grown up like a mom." She can't envision a life better than the one she is living right now.


Can I say I feel the same way with total sincerity? Some days but many times not. I let my heart wander and consider what I have not instead of praising God for what I have.


In Job 39:11, God reveals the formula for contentment is to serve and obey God. Contentment isn't about the content of my life but my response to that content. Obedience and service are two things Carynne knows well. She is the first child to cry when caught in wrongdoing. Punishment is rarely necessary because she has a naturally repentant heart. She wants desperately to obey.


She also serves from a heart filled with kindness. Just last night she rubbed my hand with the intensity of a professional masseuse. This is quite a feat for fingers just four years old. She chose to serve her mommy and give a gift uniquely hers - an act of service.


Because I want to experience true contentment, I want 2012 to be packed with ordinary day filled with opportunities for obedience and service. Today, I say, "God, when I grow up I want to marry Scott Milholland and have daughters named Hannah, Hayleigh, Clara and Carynne. I want to come home to messy stairs and dirty dishes. I want to be overscheduled and overloved. I want to spend too many hours in the carpool line and too few hours at the salon. I want exactly what I have right now. I am content."


Won't you join me today and celebrate the ordinary life you're living? The gift of contentment is sure to follow.

21 comments:

  1. 'The gift of contentment is sure to follow.'

    I will do it.


    Thank you for this original, encouraging blog.

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  2. Contentment...I have read much about that recently. I believe the Lord is trying to get a message to me. Thank you.
    blessings...Chelle

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  3. Jedidja, thank you for your faithfulness to visit. It is such an encouragement to me!

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  4. Chelle, don't you love it when it talks to both of us about the same topic!

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  5. Love this Shannon. Thanks for the reminder to be content in the beauty of an ordinary life. (I've got four kiddos, messy stairs and lots of dirty dishes too, btw!)

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  6. Carla, we are soul sisters for sure! I'll celebrate your dirty dishes it you celebrate mine!

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  7. This was a beautiful reminder of what true contentment is. Cherish your little girls because they will be grown women in about a minute!
    Thank you for the nice comment on my blog today.

    But godliness with contentment is great gain.
    (1 timothy 6:6)~God Bless~ Lisa

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  8. Lisa, so thankful for your visit today and that we've made connections!

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  9. The last 3 years have been exhausting and trying for me... I have been fighting a spiritual battle that never seems to end. However, God has recently been speaking to me to "Be still and know that He is God"... He has now taken me to a place of contentment. I am still praying and waiting for many answered prayers, but I have that peace and joy that comes when you are content with God! So glad I found your blog today! :)

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  10. Created To Be Beautiful, I can only imagine the journey you've been on but love that you've used that journey to bless others! Thanks for stopping by the oasis!

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  11. This is such an important message to young mothers. I'm a mentor mom for Mothers of Preschoolers at our church. I've posted this to Facebook to share with them and other young moms I know. Thanks so much for sharing with such honesty.

    Shannon, I'm Nashville born and bred but now reside in Portland, OR a long way from TN roots.

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  12. Thanks for this reminder to have an attitude of gratitude - and that we are blessed!

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  13. Your comment, "Contentment isn't about the content of my life but my response to that content.", spoke to my heart. With our family going through the challenge of selling our house and building a new one, I too often get caught up in the content of my life and forget the contentment. Thanks for the needed reminder!

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  14. Hi Shannon,

    What a great way to pray to foster contentment. Thanks to your daughter for me!

    Jennifer Dougan
    www.jenniferdougan.com

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  15. Sherrey, thank you so much for multiplying the message by sharing with your moms. I am a leader in the Mom's Ministry at my church and also have a heart for young moms. Have a blessed day!

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  16. Becky Jane, praying for you during this time of transition!

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  17. Jennifer, I thank Carynne every day for blessing me and I will definitely pass on your thanks. :)

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  18. Hi Shannon,

    "Pressing closer to the heart of God" --good stuff. :)

    Jennifer Dougan
    www.jenniferdougan.com

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  19. Hi Shannon, I was just writing about contentment the other day too! God appears to be busily at work within us... and it's good! I have been thinking about gratitude the last few days and that is also giving life to more contentment! Thanks, Amy

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    1. Amy, I am so amazed how when I take even a moment to thank God how my heart and life are revolutionized by Him changing my attitude from the inside out.

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