You sort of know when God is speaking to you, right? We usually joke about neon sign lit up across the sky or slapping me over the head with a 2 x 4. But the truth is: if God is trying to teach you something you will be informed. Trust me.
Lately, God is teaching me about contentment. Well, lately as in the last 20 years of my life. The first decade or so doesn’t count because I was a kid. Kids are clueless.
I remember being fairly content as a kid. But of course that’s just a memory. If it’s anything like my kids I probably had a wish list as long as my hair (which happened to be down to my butt at that point in my life.)
Anyway, I say this word wish. Sort of a lot. Like I kind of forget how often I say it. So recently I said this word to my husband again. “Honey, I really wish you were home on Friday night instead of working.” He looked at me square in the eye and said, “Do you know that every time you wish for something it means you’re not happy with what you have?”
I pretended not to hear him like I usually do when someone is right and I’m wrong. That’s the best way to ignore the truth, right? Just act like it didn’t happen.
But then good ole’ God. He comes through like he always does. He nudges me with His cool way and says, ‘Yeah, did you hear what he said? It’s complete truth.’
And then I start pondering this word ‘wish’. Well, maybe it means a little discontentment. But really God, I’m good. I’m happy. I’m content.
But in all honesty how can I say I’m content when I’m wishing he wasn’t working and that he was home with me? Contentment is happiness in the now, no matter that looks like.
This word wish….How often do I really say it? I mean is 30 times a day too many?
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I wish the kids wouldn’t leave their towels on the floor.
I wish my hair wasn’t so frizzy.
I wish I had more time in the day.
I wish I had a front porch.
I wish it wasn’t raining so I can go for a run.
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I gasp inside my head. I say this word way more often than I even realize. I began a little research on this horrendous vocabulary word of mine.
The characteristics of a ‘Wish’ are:
- False security
- Not easily attainable
- Probably will not happen
- Covet
- Crave
- Lust after
- To want something to be true
And then I did little research on the word ‘hope’.
The characteristics of Hope are:
- Indication of security
- Confident expectation
- Heavenly mindset
- Aspiration
- A feeling of trust
After all that research I’d rather give up my wish, wishes, and wishing. And I’m choosing hope, hopes and hoping.
Psalm 39:7
But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
Romans 8:24-25
Hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not have we wait patiently.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
I’m no longer wishing for my husband to be home on week nights for dinner. I prayed and I’m believing God to bring my husband a job that he can work less hours and enjoy more time with his family. I’m confident that God’s plan is best regardless if it lines up with mine.
Still growing,
Melanie
xo
JB says
Speaking of being hit by a 2 x 4!!! Thank you for the reminder. 🙂
Melanie says
Happy to share one of my many 2 x 4 moments. 🙂
Elizabeth says
Melanie, I am still growing too. I realize that I need to practice much more gratitude and a lot less complaining. Maybe that is my 2×4 for today!! Thanks for a very thoughtful and sincere post!
Melanie says
Thanks Elizabeth for taking the time to stop by and share. I love hearing from my readers.
I think I’m doing a lot of growing too. Seems like I get a 2 x 4 moment every day lately. That means God is taking me to new heights and new depths. I love each step of the journey.
Blessings!
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
What a wonderful post! I have been doing my share of “wishing” and I needed this reminder to be truly content – thanks Melanie and heres hoping your weekend is wonderful 🙂
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
This is a really timely post for me, Melanie. Thanks so much for this reminder 🙂