I may not agree with all the philosophies of John Lennon (although I adore most of his music.) But I definitely agree with this one. And yes, I also have one of those cheesy magnets on my fridge that says, "We plan. God laughs." And maybe it is cheesy. But I also think it's true.
So what is the sentiment on which John Lennon actually agrees with God? (Heb 13:5 - be content with what you have) Contentment. Happiness. For most of us, life did not turn out how we planned or would have predicted. Some things are vastly different. Some things are minor. Some lives are drastically different from how they began; good, bad, or ugly. And a few rare people have had their lives follow the road map they set out when they were five-years-old.
But are those rareties happy in their lives? And are people whose lives are radically altered unhappy? I'd bet the answer is...maybe. I don't think contentment should be experienced because life is or isn't how you planned. Maybe it's good that it turned out differently than expected. Maybe it's much harder than it should be. But being content is not about being complacent. It isn't about not having goals. And it isn't about not exerting effort.
Contentment, to me, is about choice. I know several people who have not fallen in love, married, and had the 2.3 children they expected to by the time they reached the age they are. But they do not pine away for the life they do not have. They enjoy the life they are blessed with, realizing that while marriage and parenthood can be wonderful, so can singlehood. Embrace where you are! I know people who have pursued careers doggedly and diligently, only to not get the job they want. Or stranger still, they got the job they wanted, only to learn they don't want that job. But they do not wallow. They seek a different job, they pursue other interests. And they are grateful for employment and learning opportunities.
I know people whose home lives are so different from what they experienced in their youth that they wonder what to do with themselves, even if it's a positive difference. Sometimes, they're almost afraid to be happy or content, waiting for the shoe to drop. But they persist in creating a loving home and family.
Being content isn't about comparing your circumstances with those around you. Maybe "they" have more money. But maybe "they" also have more debt. Maybe "they" have a spouse. But maybe "they" sleep in different beds. Maybe "they" have the job they always said they would. But maybe "they" wished they didn't. Maybe.
The "maybes" and "what-ifs" are so dangerous and fight against the contentment I think we all want. Life is not a movie with an alternate ending. There's no way to know what might have been if you'd turned left instead of right. No one can tell you if things would have been better if you chose door A instead of door B.
So do not look to others. Do not compare yourself. Do not waste valuable and precious time that you can never recapture with the "maybes" and "what-could-have-beens." What is, is. Embrace it. And if you aren't content, change it. (Don't do foolish things, though! Don't get a divorce, fix a marriage. Don't walk away from your kids, get to know them. etc.) But look to God. The rest of Heb 13:5 promises that He will NEVER leave or forsake us.
Choose happiness in your circumstance. Even if your life does not look the way you envisioned. Find contentment. And realize that the greatest blessing in your life might be that it did not turn out the way you imagined.
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