Sunday, September 26, 2010

WRAPPED IN THE ARMS OF CONTENTMENT -

Not long ago my dearest husband and I were discussing our retirement options; which at this moment of time are not quite as good as we had hoped. Through the years I have told him that I would be content with him even if we had to live in a tent. I meant that statement with all of my heart. I am content with this awesome man and would live anywhere with him. I made a decision many years ago that I would be happy or content no matter whether  my home was small or large. Interestingly, when raising our 6 children we lived in small three bedroom homes and the 3 boys had a room together and the 3 girls had to share a room also. Our children were blessed to learn many lessons on sharing and getting a long with one another in our smaller homes. I found my happiness was not based on having a bigger home or more things.  The last several years we have lived in larger homes but I find my self no happier with the larger space. I am content to live with my eternal companion forever even  in a tent. Of course I wouldn't mind having a few tent modulars added.
In thinking about what the word contentment means; I thought I would look it up and I found several sources of thought. This one fits the above description of life. "Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have." Unknown Author
Here are a few more quotes on contentment:
"The most valuable things in life are not measured in monetary terms. The really important things are not houses and lands, stocks and bonds, automobiles and real state, but friendships, trust, confidence, empathy, mercy, love and faith."  - George C. Lichtenberg
"My crown is in my heart, not on my head, Nor decked with diamonds and Indian stones, Nor to be seen, My crown is called content: A crown it is, that seldom kings enjoy". - Bertrand Russell
"Since we cannot get what we like, let us like what we can get." - Williams Shakespeare
"Happy the man, and happy he alone, he who can call today his own; he who, secure within, can say, tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today."
Happiness is part of contentment and then there is those brief but ever so exquisite moments of joy. Rejoice, feel happiness or joy; joy is the emotion of the great happiness. I often say to those I hold dear and others who's friendship I value; enjoy the moments!
I find contentment, happiness, satisfaction and pure joy in the little sweet tender mercies that I receive from my Heavenly Father.  Sometimes, it is just loving the home I live in, caring for a neighbor, strengthening a friendship, loving my husband, caring for a child, loving my children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter; looking in the eyes of my ever so beautiful posterity, listening to a child, learning a lesson, creating and enjoying a really good meal, slowly eating a piece of delicious chocolate, being grateful for all the Lord has blessed me with; including all the beauties of nature surrounding me, petting and caring for my sweet dogs,  working through a problem, the joy of accomplishment, feeling the spirit when I hear, read or do something that brings me great happiness, watching a good movie, playing the piano, reading a good book, finding an answer in the scriptures, serving in the temple,  feeling at peace with who I am and what I want to be, receiving forgiveness and sincerely forgiving another, moments of prayer, being wrapped in the warmth of my testimony of Jesus Christ, finding peace and faith in my adversity, knowing that I am a Daughter of God, and finally knowing and feeling the peace and comfort of the spirit to my soul no matter what the situation might be. 
I have found that although every moment of life is not pleasant, or joyful and content; one can choose to be happy at any given moment. 

Learn to Like - by Robert Service

School yourself to savor most
Joy that have but little cost;
Prove the best of life is free,
Sun and Stars and sky and sea;
Eager in your eyes to please,
Proffer meadows, brooks and trees;
Nature strives for your content,
Never charging you a cent.

Learn to love a garden gay,
Flowers and fruit in rich array.
Care for dogs and singing birds,
Have for children cheery words.
Find plain food and comfort are
More than luxury by far.
Music, books and honest friends
Outweigh golden dividends.

Love your work and do it well,
Scorning not a leisure spell.
Hold the truest form of wealth
Body fit and ruddy health.
Let your smile of happiness
Rustic peace serenely stress;
Home to love and heart to pray
Thank your God for everyday.

Just for this minute, hour, or day I will be content with just this moment of time.

3 comments:

Barb said...

Hi LeAnn!

I love this post! And, I loved being able to share some time with you this past week! It was so nice to see you and Roger...:0)

Contentment with what we have...I think that is something that we all strive for. Today, we went to Boneventure, the retirement center where my mother is living. She was speaking in sacrament meeting, and I wanted to be there to support her. Two of the residents who live there, used to live in my ward. They were very prominent farmers in this area, they lived in a very comfortable home, drove really nice cars, wore very nice clothes, had everything they wanted or needed. Don't get me wrong, Boneventure is a beautiful place, although, their lifestyle is not the same as it was. But, they are content, happy, and loving life! She has always believed in "blooming where you are planted", and that is just what she is doing now!

You are so right, we can find so much joy in all of the small things in life - nothing makes me happier than to see my children and grandchildren happy and healthy! There is beauty all around us, love in our homes, and we have the gospel to assure us that this is not all there is - just think of what we have been promised!!

I'm sorry, I always seem to write a book - but you always cause me to think!! Have a wonderful week!

Love you,

Barb

Marie Rayner said...

Wonderful post Leann. I am so blessed to be able to be a person that finds contentment wherever I am. The Gospel surely helps. Hoping you have a wonderfully blessed and contented week! xxoo

Anonymous said...

Thanks mom for the post. There are many days that I've needed to find contentment in what God has blessed me with in order to just get through the day. I am grateful that I have a beautiful and wonderful mom like you to uplift me.

Love you! Tiff