It is so easy to get caught up in the ways of the world today. To be jealous or envious of others around you. To want things they have – the house, the cars, the family even things as little as a new purse or outfit. Far too often, I find myself wanting more. I want a new house. I want a new car. I want to start a family. I want to go shopping. I want. I want. I want… It’s a slippery slope. Once you get those things you wanted you always find yourself wanting something else. We are looking for happiness in the wrong places.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
How awful is it that my focus has become the things that I want Paul and I to work towards in our new marriage, and this focus often (more often than I would like to admit) takes away from my happiness. I am newly married for crying out loud! It’s amazing! Shouldn’t I be enjoying each moment I have with my new husband?! Our time that we have been given for just the two of us to begin creating our life together?
Often I find myself frustrated over the details in life. I get frustrated that we haven’t bought a new house yet so we can have this great amazing house when we have kids. I focus on the things that I want, and the things we still need to work towards so often that I have completely stopped focusing on the MANY blessings that God has already given us! I should be thankful that we have a house over our head each day, and food on our table. I should be thankful that I have an amazing husband who supports my dreams and treats me better than I ever imagined. I should be thankful that we have cars, we have jobs, we pay our bills, and we still have money left to do some fun things! I should be thankful that we have amazing families who love us and raised us well. I should be thankful that we have parents who have set amazing examples for successful and happy marriages. I should be thankful that we are both healthy! Our blessings are far more than we can count, and it isn’t just for a day. We are blessed every single day and we often take it for granted!
“Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” Acts 14:17
We were blessed with a God who gave his only Son to DIE on the cross for our sins. The ultimate sacrafice was given, and yet God still promises us more. He promises to take care of us, to guide us and lead us with peace… but we have to allow Him to do that. We have to trust that He knows what is best for us and that things will work out – even when they seem like they are a mess now. I need to learn to thank God for the troubles He brings me. In those troubles, He gives me another opportunity to rely on Him, not myself, and to grow closer with Him. He provides solutions and offers me peace. If I learn to take hold of the numerous blessings God gives me each day when He wakes me up, if I learn to embrace the struggles that make me stronger then I ultimately choose to be happy. If I choose to let God consume my life. If I choose to stop coveting what others have. If I choose to appreciate what I’ve been given- then I will learn to enjoy each moment I am given. I will love my life right now as it is, because it was given to me by my Lord and Savior.
Happiness is a choice we make each day – that does not mean that it will always be an easy choice to make. Happiness will be easier on some days than others, but we will find happiness when we begin to embrace the many gifts of this life that are happening RIGHT NOW!
“He that handles a matter wisely shall find good: and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.” Proverbs 16:20
Living for Today 
Just started reading your blog and totally loving you – you have a real knack for writing. I so agree with this post – about how we sometimes get so caught up in what we want, what we FEEL or think we deserve without acknowledging or giving thanks for what we already have. I love the song “blessings” by laurie (Something) which talks about how there’s truly so many blessings in the little things everyday! Its so easy to compare to those who we think have more than we do – but on the otherr side, I’m sure there are many who look at us and would kill to have what we have. At the end of the day, its knowing we have an eternal future, love, and hope awaiting us – and that in itself (if nothing else) is reason for a life of peace and joy. 🙂
Aw thank you so much!!! I’ll have to go look up that song! 😃