Cultivating the culture of contentment

A harvest of peace is produced from a seed of contentment – Proverb

“The thing is most of us are never satisfied. We’re too busy running after the things that we believe will fulfill us and forget that which we already have. You’ve got to be happy with what you have”. These wise words were spoken to me by a taxi driver as he drove me home from my friend’s house. Lately, some of the most thought-provoking discussions on life, love, faith and everything in between tend to happen in taxis, so this encounter was no exception. It was a late, cold and wet night however and besides being exhausted, the only thing I longed for was the comfort of my bed. I do not remember what prompted our conversation, but the topic of contentment triggered a deep and meaningful exchange that felt like it lasted longer than the 10 minutes journey ride home.

Stay rooted in love

“…rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” – Colossians 2:7

Isn’t it funny how time just keeps ticking on and the days go by sometimes unnoticed and before you know it a whole year has come and gone? Many dreams were accomplished, some unrealised and others still yet to be thought of. Numerous people encountered forming some of the deepest friendships that turn strangers into family, some broken relationships, while other acquaintances bind us to souls that seem all too familiar, like we’ve known them for a lifetime. Countless inner battles fought, insecurities shattered and fears conquered. Tears, uncontrollable laughter, mixed emotions, a bucket full of confusion and multiple questions left unanswered defined the seasons passed.  It’s safe to say that a lot has happened in my life over the past 3 years since I took a break from blogging but one thing that has remained steadfast and unchanging is my faith, an albeit fragile faith that has persevered in growth through some of the harshest seasons.

GUESTBLOG: What to do in the meantime?

 Recently, I find myself in a place where the predominant question that surrounds my spiritual life is “What do I do in the meantime?” When we read Psalm 27, an amazing Psalm by David that asks to ‘dwell in the house of the Lord’ (Psalm 27:4), the Psalm closes with perhaps one of the hardest activities to do as a Christian: ‘wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord’ (Psalm 27:14). 

In a post-modern world, waiting is something that is often unfamiliar to us as we become impatient at the traffic lights, especially when they are red and we even opt to use ready meals as opposed to enjoying the long process of preparing a meal. It becomes clear when we study how we operate in the 21^st Century the trait of patience and waiting appears to be scarce.

The need for self-discipline

 

The time has come! The one that was highly anticipated yet with so much energy it has already drained me. I was looking forward to 3rd year of University but nothing prepared me for this. It's as if if January was just yesterday. My mind can't seem to fathom just how on earth April is upon us. For me, this month holds a particular significance. It's a month that will make or break me. It's what I've been looking forward to since the beginning of this degree, seeing just how far I've come. And with no information of where I'm heading after this chapter of my life is over, I open up my arms and I embrace the mistery.