Contentment Now or Later?

Posted by Tara | 0 comments

Contentment is something that I have struggled with for about 5 years now. When I finally truly surrendered my life to the Lord, He planted a seed in my heart that gave me an acute sense of His purpose for my life, not a full revelation but a “knowing”. Since then as I have matured in Him and grown closer to His heart, my restlessness has grown stronger. Restless is the best word I can use to describe the “ants in my pants” feeling that I get when I think about my future. It’s kind of a “Come ON, let’s get on with it!” feeling. Each birthday, I think “God, You know how old I am getting and I would like to be able to accomplish what You want me to before I come to live with You forever…..can we get to it, please?”

My current job is a gift from God in that it provides a wonderful income and flexibility for my family’s needs but it doesn’t utilize the gifts, talents and interests God blessed me with. Because of this, I have had to fight loathing my daily life. I want to do something every day that has an eternal impact for the Lord. Several months ago, the Lord revealed to me that what I do indirectly helps people in that it allows people to live another day and have another chance to come to know God. That allowed me to relax and know that even if I am not yet doing what the Lord has planted in my heart to do, I am still having an impact for Him.

Different Seasons

Another revelation was that, with and since the birth of my son, I am living God’s will for my life IN THIS SEASON. This is a huge revelation to me. I used to think that God’s will was an ultimate and final destination but I believe that it has different seasons. While there is an ultimate purpose that is different than my hospital job, I can be content in the season He has me in now by knowing I am doing what He wants me to do in this season. For me, this season has me nurturing and training my son in the ways of God and preparing myself by studying God’s Word and letting Him build a foundation of trust in Him.

I have to pray for a balance every day between contentment with where I am now and the passionate fire for eternal impact that burns in my heart. I only know that balance can be found in Him alone.

Share with me!

* In what ways are you struggling with contentment or lack thereof in your life?
* Is there anything about your current season in life that you can be thankful for and recognize God’s hand in?

Tara McClenahan is a devoted mom to a two-year-old “little man” and enjoys discovering how God has “packed his suitcase”. As an associate with iBloom, she has a heart for inspiring, encouraging and equipping moms to become “Proverbs 31 mamas” and raise their children according to Biblical principles and guidelines using the Bible and other tools. Tara adores falling leaves, sweatshirts, Starbucks White Chocolate Mochas and the first curly BBQ chip from the bag! Make sure to visit www.MommyMissions.com to download your free Christian mom resource!