~Blog post by Eden Morlet (Adventure guide and coordinator at Rock-N-Water)
Another take on gratitude
Why is it hard to see adventure?
Why am I discontent?
Why do I feel apathetic, unmotivated and bored?
I am ungrateful.
A few years ago, when the boys were much smaller, I felt all those things. We were coming off a year of difficulty with church, a job for me that had been unfulfilling and a lot of hours at home with littles. Bored, restless, and discontent. I knew that Jesus wanted me to have joy and contentment in all situations but that seemed so far from me. I didn’t even know where to begin. So I began a year long research project into the question, “where does contentment come from?”
There were a few verses that spoke to me in that time-
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-12
I began to flush out this idea that I was obsessed with what comes next, what adventures lie around the corner, or what opportunity I might miss due to my current parental responsibility. I had no joy because I wasn’t living in the present. I was caught up in thinking about what could be instead of reflecting and enjoying what I had.
I discovered that being grateful was the answer to my restlessness and boredom. Once I appreciated that my kids were healthy and active at the park I could play tag with them. Once I appreciated that I had extra time on my hands I could reach out and extend that time to others. It was painful to realize that nothing actually needed to change in my life, but rather I needed a change of the heart. Praise be to God that He gives each of us something to be grateful for everyday.
My hope is to make it a daily practice to be grateful. That my heart wouldn’t wander to planning the next intense river trip or mapping out a backpacking trip, but I would have the gratitude to see the adventure happening everyday right in front of me. Seize the moment and be grateful today.
Originally published on seeadventureeveryday.com
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