During my application process at Thomas Nelson, I took the Strengths Finder Test. I found out I am high on the “Achievement” end, but it also included a weakness of my type for “the tendency towards gnawing discontentment”. It was one of those, ‘are you reading my mail?’ moments. In effort to change, I started examining my perspective and attitude.  Am I doomed to be discontent?

Yes. And in a way, I think most of us are.

Eventually with kids and such, Michael and I hope to move into a house. Part of the American dream, right? I’ll confess though, I’ve found myself thinking, “Once we get a house, then life will be perfect.” It’s not that I’m unhappy. Honestly. It’s just my mind is always going to the next thing that I want. This morning, I read back in my journal…

“Life will just be so much easier when we are married. June 4th can’t come soon enough!” I went on to make a list about ways I was dissatisfied with my present circumstances, but believed once we were married everything would be perfect.

I remember thinking that once I got the job at Thomas Nelson, I’d be satisfied. That once I got married, I’d be content. And the best is when I am convinced a certain number on the scale will make me happy.

What do you desire?

I’m married to the man of my dreams. We live in a great place. I have my dream job. Sure I’d like to move into a house, have more money, get promoted at work, run a marathon, and have a designer wardrobe, but far too often these desires turn into waiting around for the next best thing.

Recently, I heard a couple complain about their financial status. I looked at them in disbelief. “If I had as much money as you, then I wouldn’t complain…” I thought quietly to myself, trying to hide any giveaway facial expressions.

Then it hit me: I’m not dealing with a money problem, it’s a heart problem. Having more money won’t solve anything. Moving into a house? Nope. Getting promoted? Not that either.

Is it possible to be satisfied while others will always have more? He’s married and I’m not…she got the promotion and I’m still stuck…life never works out for me like it does for her…?

Contentment is a heart attitude and really has very little to do with outward circumstances. The Bible says clearly that nothing on this earth we can attain or buy or achieve will ever fully satisfy us. Some of the people I know who seemingly have everything are wracked with unhappiness.  And I’ve seen people living in one room apartments in China crawling with roaches, filled with joy. Not because they don’t want life to get better or have more, but because their contentment comes from something greater. Something deeper.

Something more than just dream houses and spouses and finances and appearance. Our joy must come from that which cannot be taken away.

Are you satisfied?