In my last post I talked about how damaging it is to compare ourselves to others. It makes it really hard to be content. So DON’T compare.
But what can you DO to live in a place of contentment.
Focus on gratitude.
In her book “1000 Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are,” Ann Voskamp has this quote, which I love!
“When I give thanks for the seemingly microscopic, I make a place for God to grow within me.”
For example, when I’m doing the 12th load of laundry for the weekend and am tempted to grumble about the never-ending pile of dirty clothes (which can quickly spiral into the “why do I have to do everything” pity party), I stop.
I start listing the things I have to be thankful for.
- I’m thankful I don’t have to wash my clothes by hand.
- I’m thankful for detergent I can buy at the store that works.
- I’m thankful for dryers. Because I hate putting on crunchy jeans.
- I’m thankful that we have so many clothes to wear.
- I’m thankful that my washer and dryer are inside my air conditioned home.
What are some “microscopic” things you can be thankful for in an area where you struggle being content?