Anticipation and contentment

I'm eager to discuss my love of the seasons–all of them. The first snowfall and a fresh blanket, over all things, juxtaposed with the warmth and welcome of a snug home. The newness and hope of spring, the many firsts of blooms and barefeet in sandals and warm afternoons. The carefree days and later evenings of summer, the might-as-well popsicles and water play in the backyard. The feel of a sweater wrapped close and a warm cup coffee in hand, visiting pumpkin patches and apple orchards.

Each of these seasons is dear to me in many ways. And while my enjoyment is evident, my anticipation for the next thing can overwhelm my ability to be present and content.

I want to be careful that my dreaming of fall days ahead doesn't intrude on the joy that these late summer days hold. And more than just that, I am aware that my anticipation of the next life thing (whatever that may be) has the capability to distract me and prevent contentedness in my heart.

I don't want to have my eyes peering so intently on the horizon that I miss the wonder of what (and who!) is right at my feet, or in my arms, or beside me.

I'm thankful God created the seasons, for the ways each of them stir my heart to praise. I'm praying for a heart that sings His praise and lives in contentment, in this season, and whatever lies ahead. I can trust His timing and His goodness.

Very practically, practicing contentment (because I do believe it is something we are called to practice and it doesn't come naturally) in my life looks like these things:

• regular devotionals and time in my Bible (still working in finding some consistency in this). I'm working my way through the devotionals in this book and I cannot recommend it enough. Abigail's sourdough bread recipe is what I use weekly for our bread!
• realistic daily to-do lists (avoiding a perpetually frazzled and frenzied motherhood). Some things really can wait until tomorrow. My bullet journal and the ability to "defer" tasks has brought me a lot of freedom in this.
• avoiding social media scrolls as a response to overwhelm, and less time on the app, overall. I spontaneously uninstalled the IG app on my phone for nearly three weeks and it freed up a lot of time and mental load.
• Pausing to see the beauty in little arms wrapped around my legs in affection, little hands reaching for me to pick him up, a little boy eager to talk about our day and snuggle before he falls asleep, a preschooler eager to help me make and decorate (and eat) an almond cake
• Embracing quality time with Nicholas in the evenings, not always just watching something together, but being intentional about conversation.
• Learning something new (crochet). It's humbling and freeing to be an absolute beginner at something. I quite literally have to try new things slowly and it's a practice of patience.

I want to taste and see the seasons–quite literally the seasons of the year, but the longer seasons of life, as well. All of it.

So, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31