Contentment and Perspective...big words for a Sunday afternoon!

I was reading a friend's blog earlier this week and was reminded (in a very nice way) of two things I really struggle with at times...

Contentment and Perspective.

You see, if you would have asked me 10 years ago where I would be today I am pretty sure, outside of married with kids, there is not much in my answer that would actually match up with where I am. The life I had in mind was fairly traditional, probably a little predictable and pretty much a carbon copy of my own family growing up. All great things but clearly not what God had in store for me. I never in a million years would have imagined the opportunities and adventures that I would experience in the past 10 years most notably in the past 5 years. I could not have seen how much I would grow by stepping away from the life I thought I was intended to lead and embracing the life that God intended for me.

Sure, there are things that I miss at times. I would love to have a house and paint and decorate and room for storage. I would love to not constantly be worried about the weather since my every day activities are determined by whether it is raining or too cold outside or whether or not something is within a reasonable walking distance. I would love a KitchenAid stand mixer but have you seen what those babies cost in British pounds? I think I will wait!

Is it hard not to look around at friends and even random internet strangers who have far more fascinating blogs and be a little envious of their predictable/stable/home-owning lives? It can be at times. It is in those moments when I am reminded that I have been given unbelievable gifts. Gifts can come in many forms and for me they have been experiences, lessons, people, moments in time and words of wisdom. Through those gifts I have learned that what we may think is God's best for us pales in comparison to what his plans entail.

I have no idea what God has planned for the next ten years (although I do hope there is a house and a few more kids in there somewhere!) but I find peace and contentment in knowing that it is all under control. In the meantime, I choose to live and embrace all that God puts before me and find joy in both the big and small moments.