Years ago, right before Thanksgiving, my husband was given notice to find a new job. With three young kids and another on the way, it was devastating.
We had some savings but no clear prospects, so we knew we would need to be frugal for Christmas.
We prayed for a new job or some financial help, but neither came.
So, my husband and I decided not to exchange gifts with each other that year. I searched our toy room for old toys and sold them online. I used the money to buy a couple of used toys for our kids to open on Christmas.
It wasn’t much, and my heart felt heavy, but it was enough.
Despite the stress, I was determined to focus on Christ. This intentional focus brought so much peace to our home.
On Christmas morning, something magical happened. Or maybe a better way to say it would be a miracle happened.
The kids were so excited about their new-to-them toys. It taught me so much about being grateful for what we have, not what we don’t.
Heavenly Father did not bless us with the temporal or physical blessings we had hoped for. Instead, as I look back on that experience, I realize that what we received was a feeling of contentment.
A gift that far surpassed the tangible, the reassurance of God’s love and peace filled our home.
We may not always understand how or when God blesses us, but we can trust that His timing is perfect. Contentment, I discovered, is not a passive state but a gift we actively unwrap during life’s uncertainties.
It takes work and effort on our part, but as we seek to be content, the Lord is ready and willing to bless us with just that.
How Can We Cultivate Daily Contentment?
- Practice gratitude. Take some time each day to reflect on what you are grateful for. Start a gratitude journal or offer a prayer of gratitude. As we do this, we come to recognize the many blessings that are in our lives, regardless of whether things are going to plan or not.
- Serve others. In order to see the needs of others, we first have to look beyond our own struggles and trials. Serving others brings joy to both you and the ones you serve. It also helps us recognize and appreciate the things we have that others may not.
- Pray for contentment. The source of contentment is our loving Heavenly Father. While He may not change our circumstances, He can help us as we seek to feel content despite the difficult or trying times we may find ourselves in. He delights in blessing us and will help us recognize those blessings that are continually flowing over—even in moments when we feel we have been forgotten.
Life is messy, and very rarely does it go according to our own plan. Being told to find contentment in your current situation may seem trite.
How can we expect to be content when our life is nothing like what we had envisioned or hoped for? We can remember that the promised blessings from the Lord are certain.
It is up to us to trust in Him and His timing, keeping in mind that blessings come in ways that we may not expect.
Whether it’s a life of loneliness, loss, poor health, abuse, or any other difficult and seemingly impossible trial, remember that God loves you and is waiting to bless you. He will visit you in your sorrow and join you in your happiness. He is the source of contentment and will help you find it as you seek it.
More Christmas inspiration for you:
▶ The fascinating role of dreams in the Nativity story
▶ Christmas traditions from 3 Apostles to help bring the Spirit to your holiday season
▶ 16 Christmas gift ideas to help you connect with your ministering sisters
▶ The beautiful Nativity reenactment you should watch this very second (and again on Christmas Eve)
