"On Being Content"

The youngest daughter is leaving this morning, and she's taking two of the grandgirls with her, the 11-year-old sparkly grandgirl and the almost-8-year-old fearless one.  Our whole family has known about the move for several months but, as often happens, time has flown by all too quickly, and here we are. 

This mother and grandmother has been spoiled, and I unashamedly and unabashedly admit it.  For the past 8 years I have been most fortunate to have my children and my grandchildren no more than 45 minutes away.  That changes today as this part of the family heads for Idaho. 

"I have learned how to be content, whatever circumstance I'm in."  This phrase has been floating through my mind for days now.  I would be lying through my teeth if I said contentment has been my mainstay as the countdown to moving day has taken place.  In fact during the past week the opposite has come to bear. 

As I was on yet another emotional roller coaster yesterday, filled with sadness and that big lump in the back of my throat, I came to my senses.  This move is not separate from the hand of my Heavenly Father and, just because I do not like it, doesn't mean it isn't good.  "Help me," was my request, and He has. 

Once I got my head screwed on straight I was able to think about contentment a bit more clearly.  It simply means having a sense of happiness and being satisfied regardless of the situation.  Contentment goes hand in hand with having peace within rather than all-consuming turmoil.  That can only come from the knowledge that my Creator is One who loves and cares for not only me but my family as well.  

Life is ever-changing.  Sometimes we revel in it; other times we abhor it, often due to a lack of understanding.  Nonetheless, I am of the belief that there is point and purpose in all things.  Part of my family moving to Idaho is in His plan.  Am I content in that?  I can honestly say that I am learning to be.   In fact I am only too aware there are several other areas in my life in which this wisdom needs to be applied as well.  There is always more work needing to be done in this life of mine.