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Almost 365 days ago I chose “content” as my word for 2017. Paul said, “I have learned to be content” (Php. 4:11). This seemed like a worthwhile lesson.
I thought “content” would mean that my year would be calm. But we decided to build a new house and welcomed a grandbaby and I launched a book and we traveled. And there was also just regular old life–the coming and going, the doing and pursuing, the groceries and the laundry.
Looking back, I realize that I missed the next part of that verse, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Contentment isn’t about our calendars or to-do lists, our situation or season. Contentment is always about the heart.
And, in spite of all the chaos, I’m coming to the end of this year feeling more content than when it began. In the post I wrote when I chose this word, I said, “As best I can tell, being content means being satisfied with what we have and who we are. It’s not settling nor passivity; it’s about life and growth.” It’s knowing, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Php. 4:13).
This year I have learned contentment doesn’t mean complacency.
But it also doesn’t mean striving. Just because I can do all things through Christ doesn’t mean I have to do it all. (I also said “no” more than ever before this year.)
I’m keeping “content” as my word for the year in 2018 too. I feel like I’ve just begun to understand its layers, the true meaning of it. I need more time and practice and leaning into the Love that makes contentment possible. I’m not done with the lesson yet. And I don’t think it’s done with me.
What’s one thing you’ve learned in 2017? What’s your word for the year in 2018? I’d love for you to leave a comment and share. (Subscribers, to leave a comment please click here to visit the blog post.)
XOXO
Holley Gerth
P.S. Friends, can I share something exciting with you? 🙂 Next Wednesday, I’ll be launching the Strong, Brave, Loved 21 Day Challenge. If you’re an email subscriber, you’ll get all the information first — coming your way this Monday! If you’d like to subscribe, simply click here (or on the image below) to do so. I hope you’ll join me as we journey together, discovering that we’re already strong, brave, and loved.
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Right now, we’re doing a special link-up series to celebrate Fiercehearted: Live Fully, Love Bravely. You’re a fiercehearted woman so I’m asking you to pour out a little love and courage with your words every Wednesday {the link-up goes live at 5:30am CST}. Simply write an encouraging blog post, especially if it’s about living fully and loving bravely, and then share it here. Don’t have a blog? You can still write an encouraging comment. If you’re reading this by email, go to holleygerth.com to see all the fun and join in too.
When you link up your post, take a moment to leave an encouraging comment on the one that’s linked up just before yours. Thanks, friends!
I’m having Coffee For Your Heart with my friend Holley Gerth!
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