Contentment is something I decided to focus on this year. One source I read defined contentment as being free of worry. I see contentment as accepting the situation I find myself in while trusting God with the things I cannot change.
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While pondering this blog idea, I awoke to the above early last week. For a southern girl it was wonderful. My contentment was easy with an 8 inches of snow outside the door. Our gas logs were working, food was stocked and hot chocolate and hot tea were enjoyed. The contentment was tested when the temps were very low for us. Rural life in southern states means no snow plows will be clearing your road. It was nine days of snow with icy roads. Someone accustomed to this weather can go ahead and laugh.
As a caregiver, you may wonder if you can be content and how do you remain content in ever changing situations.
These are great questions. You must face the reality of things in your life that cannot be changed. To accept this reality is not always easy. Each caregiver situation is different and we are all equipped with different abilities.
My northern friends are well equipped to handle the snow. You may not be as well equipped to handle our southern heat and humidity. We have air conditioners and fans everywhere.
In life as a caregiver, the weather isn’t as big of a challenge to navigate as emotional storms, physical exhaustion and spiritual ups and downs are. Finding contentment in all of this can be a struggle itself.
A big difference for many is learning to live in the moment. Don’t dwell on what you have lost. Don’t live in anxiety about what comes next. Allow yourself to look for the bright moments in each day. Some days may be so trying that it is a stretch for you. Watch this example of a little girl named Pollyanna.
I have been called a Pollyanna.
Pollyanna is probably the most misunderstood fictional character of 20th century American literature. When most people think of Pollyanna, they think of an overly optimistic goody-goody who doesn’t see the harsh reality of the world. The term Pollyanna has taken on quite a negative connotation, and you frequently hear people using the term apologetically—I hate to be a Pollyanna, or critically—Stop being such a Pollyanna.
In fact, Pollyanna was not unrealistic or overly optimistic about anything. She was a little girl with a very poor but very wise father who recognized the duality of everything in life and taught her to play a game based on this idea.
Pollyanna’s game was known as the “glad game.” One day Pollyanna’s father, who was a church missionary supported by donations from the Ladies’ Aid Society, received a long-awaited donation box for his family. Pollyanna, who had very few toys, had been wishing with all her might for a doll, but the only thing for her to play with was a broken pair of crutches.
When Pollyanna started to cry, her father promised her that if she stopped crying he would teach her to play a game that would bring her more happiness than any doll ever could. He taught her that in every situation, no matter how bad it might seem, you could always find something to be glad about if you looked hard enough.
Pollyanna and her father played that game every day, looking as hard as they could to find the thing they could be glad about in every situation. The more difficult the situation, the more fun and challenging it was for them.1 1. Porter, Eleanor, H. (1990). Pollyanna. Puffin Classics. London.
Psychologists and researchers are talking about how gratitude affects the brain. Some are finding that feeling thankful has health benefits such as improved sleep and less anxiety. You don’t even have to buy a pill for these benefits.
God’s word addresses having gratitude:
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
- “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
Maybe the key to contentment is showing gratitude for the little things. There were times when my mother was bedridden and in pain. I would sit by her side praying for her with tears streaming down my cheeks. Feeling helpless when I could not comfort her was not a place I ever want to return to. Those days were ones that I struggled to play the glad game. I dug deep and decided to thank God that I could be there holding her hand so she would know she was not alone.
You will have days that you have to dig deep to find something to be thankful for. I encourage you to do the digging. You will realize that you do have things to be grateful for.
Word for Today
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
I am grateful every day for your presence in my life. You know my heart and struggles. Help me to remember that your are with me each morning with mercy, grace, compassion and forgiveness. Your faithfulness is something I can always be grateful for. Remind me of this when I become fretful.
Amen
Walking Them Home 