My Little Emmy Squirrel,
I hope you are doing well and find the same value in reading these letters as I do enjoy writing them.
I've been thinking about something close to my heart, something that I believe is fundamental to understanding happiness and fulfillment in life. It's about the delicate balance between being content with what we have and nurturing our aspirations for the future. In thinking about this, I’ve spent time going over my personal experiences, people I’ve known, reading scripture and the undeniable truths that life has uncovered over time.
At the core of my thoughts, I find that there are two types of people with two different outlooks on life: those who appreciate and find joy in their current blessings, and those who are perpetually focused on what they lack or desire. In other words, there are people who are grateful for what they have - and those are always worried about what they don’t have. This distinction isn’t just about material wealth but applies to all the different parts of our lives such as relationships, achievements, and personal growth.
We both know friends and family members that hold each of these outlooks. Those who are grateful for the blessings they have are generally happy and fun to be around. They may not have great material wealth, but God has truly filled their lives with love and provided them with all they needed. If family, we always look forward to finding and spending time with them. If friends, it’s often more difficult, but we keep in touch and cherish the few times we are together.
On the other hand, we have people that are constantly complaining about life and things they don’t have or circumstances they believe should be better. They seem to be always miserable, always wanting more or better, never satisfied – and are genuinely no fun to be around. If family, we usually tolerate them. If friends, we drift away.
In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul speaks to the heart of contentment, saying, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation...". Here, Paul isn't advocating for complacency but rather highlighting the power and peace that comes from an inner state of contentment, irrespective of external conditions.
Similarly, Hebrews 13:5 advises us to "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have...". This scripture underscores the importance of grounding our sense of security and satisfaction not in transient material possessions but in something far more enduring and reliable.
Emily, my desire for you is to pursue a life where contentment and aspiration are not at odds but are complementary forces. Being content with what you have doesn't mean you stop dreaming or striving for better. It means recognizing and valuing your present blessings, not allowing the pursuit of more to rob you of the joy available to you here and now.
Yet, it's essential to remember that aspirations, when rooted in genuine self-improvement and the desire to make a positive impact by pursuing God’s purpose for you can be a powerful motivator. They push us to grow, learn, and step beyond our comfort zones. It's about aspiring not just for more things but for a more fulfilling, purpose-driven life.
How do you currently navigate these waters between contentment and aspiration? Are there areas in your life where you feel you've found a good balance, or perhaps others where finding equilibrium feels challenging? I hope that in sharing my experiences and reflections, that I can help you pursue a life that is both grounded and forward-looking.
Remember, I’m always here to listen, share, and walk through life with you as long as I’m around. Your thoughts and feelings on this matter are invaluable to me, and I look forward to our continued conversations on this and life, in general.
With all my love,
Dad
Comments