The grass is (rarely) greener on the other side...

Sometimes it’s easy to fall prey into the lie that “once I achieve ____” or “once I have ____”, THEN I’ll be happy. Or then I’ll truly be fulfilled.

Once I get that perfect 100 on that test, then I’ll feel like I’ve achieved something to be proud of.

Once I am engaged, then I’ll feel peace and be secure.

Once I am married, then my life will really start.

Once I graduate, then I’ll have time to really enjoy life.

Or, sometimes I go the other direction and think, “I really miss how my life used to be. It used to be so good back when…(you fill in the blank)”

But you know what? I am never more “happy” than I was before. Sure, I am enjoying married life, but that doesn’t mean I wake up every morning thinking “Wow, I am just so THRILLED to be ALIVE!” Maybe I need to start thinking that way more, though. J Either way, it doesn’t feel like I’ve reached a whole new level of fulfillment, and I need to stop buying into the lie that the next achievement/stage of life will give me more contentment.

As the Apostle Paul says, “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Phil 4:11b)

And I am so very thankful for how God has blessed me in my life now (and in the past couple of years).

So yes, I am learning. And will continue to learn.

To be continued in my next post: Goodbye Harrisonburg (a recap/thankfulness post for the ways God has blessed me in the past 4 years).