I wanted to start by sharing an old post from 2013 that I hope will bring encouragement to your soul today. Enjoy!

It’s quiet in the house this morning and my thoughts wander to my family who are scattered in different places today.  My daughter is on an 8^th grade field trip, my son is at school participating in field day, my husband is at work, and the rest of my family is thousands of miles away. We recently moved and are adjusting to a new place. In this quiet moment, it sure feels lonely. This takes my thoughts to my study today, and one particular question: What is your current situation teaching you?

In this lonely place, where I find myself more frequently these past weeks, my circumstances have cast a fresh perspective on Philippians 4:11. In this bible verse Paul says, “for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”  I know Paul’s situation involved many aspects, but I know one of them was loneliness.  Chained in prison, he was longing for word from his beloved Philippian believers and friends.

 If I choose to dwell on my loneliness and allow my mind to become clouded with self-pity or despondency, I could easily miss an opportunity God has for me. It could be in this moment when negative thoughts overtake me I may miss a divine moment from God. It could be in those cloudy moments that my child cries out in need for me, but I missed it, or my husband needs my listening ears and shoulder to lean on but I missed it, or a friend needs caring for or encouragement but I missed it.

Today I read a quote that says, “to the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” When our minds are consumed by selfish and discontented thoughts, we overlook the opportunities God presents for us and for others.

We have a choice each day to come against our thoughts of despair, discontentment, and discouragement and choose to think upon the words found in Philippians 4:8.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Today I choose thoughts of truth, nobility, purity, loveliness, excellence, and praise to the only One who is worthy. If I choose to be content whether in need or want, I remain prepared for the next chapter God has planned for me. I am ready and willing to step up to the plate when He calls. There will be no missed opportunity when our thoughts are on God’s truth.

I looked up synonyms for content and my favorite was “tickled pink.” It might be that my favorite color is pink, so it paints a fun picture in my mind.  I hope you are tickled pink today.

I look forward to stepping into a new season but while here I rest in his peace, draw close to the one who is a friend that never leaves, nor forsakes, and who gives me strength to press on. 

Let’s follow Paul’s example and choose to be content no matter what this world throws at you because just around the corner there might be something pivotal you would have missed.