It’s fascinating
which conversations stick with you and drift around in your thoughts for a
while.
A few weeks ago,
when I was talking to a friend on the phone, she asked me, “Are you content?”
Her question was timely. The week before that, I had begun to realize that
nothing in my life was broken. Rather, everything was quite alright; so, I had
no reason to be discontent. Instead, I decided, I have every reason to be
grateful for the people and circumstances that are currently part of my life.
Both my friend
and I were beginning to understand that we can have sunny sky days and
disastrous Jonah days, feel elated and downtrodden, and still be content with
our lives. As human beings, we have the ability to exist at a place within
ourselves that is deeper and more foundational than our emotions. Although our
emotions are legitimate reactions to our circumstances, they are immediate and
fleeting. We always need to take them with a grain of salt, so to speak. This
has been an important lesson for me.
So, that’s why
my friend asked, “Are you content?” She saw that my answer would tell her more
about my life than my current emotional reaction.
The answer is:
yes, I am content. My lifestyle is simple, but I have a great deal of freedom,
since I only have myself to take care of right now. My job challenges me to
learn about and try many styles of writing—from administrative memos, to
marketing emails, to event ads. The people I work with are striving to know God
and do His will. I have two fantastic housemates who make me laugh, put up with
my occasional grouchiness and my tidying spurts, and love great music. (The Oh
Hellos, anyone?) My friends live all over the country, but they are just a phone
call (or plane ride) away. I have met some new people over the past month or
two, and I am hopeful that new friendships will develop in time. I’ve gotten
comfortable with being at home in the evening and doing nothing but knitting
while watching TV.
Most
importantly, I am content—or rather, at peace—with my relationship with the
Lord. When I can’t sense His presence, it can be tempting to think that I’ve
gotten something wrong, or that I need to fix our relationship by trying some
other devotion or prayer. But I don’t think that’s what He actually wants. In
those times, I think He asks me to trust that He is still leading me.
Prayer is a gift
from Him. So, whether I am distracted or bleary-eyed, I am thankful that He
gives me the grace to make my effort to be with Him each day. And I am content
to wait until He reveals Himself to me.
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