Always Wanting

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. - Philippians 4:11-12

Earlier this week, I came across a poem that really caught my attention. It was a piece of writing that caused me to feel a lot of different emotions, with sadness and conviction being at the top of the list. As much as this poem broke my heart, I knew after reading it that I have at several different points in my life made statements that the author included in the poem. 

Here’s what the poem said:

It was spring

But it was summer I wanted

The warm days

The great outdoors

It was summer

But it was fall I wanted

The colorful leaves

The cool, dry air

It was fall

But it was winter I wanted

The beautiful snow

And the joy of the holiday season

It was winter

But it was spring I wanted

The warmth

And the blossoming of nature

I was a child

But it was adulthood I wanted

The freedom

And the respect

I was 20

But it was 30 I wanted

To be mature

And sophisticated

I was middle aged

But it was 20 I wanted

The youth

And the free spirit

I was retired

But it was middle aged I wanted

The presence of mind

Without limitations

My life was over

But I never got what I wanted.

What a heartbreaking thing it will be if we get to the end of our lives having spent all of our time wishing we were in a different season of life. We didn't enjoy being a teenager because all we wanted to do is grow up. We didn't enjoy being single because all we wanted was to be married. The list goes on and on. If we’re not careful, we’re going to end up wishing our lives away, never having soaked up where we are in the present moment. 

I don’t want to miss out on what God has given me in my current season because I’m so focused on the seasons to come. I want to take the time to enjoy where I am. I want to be grateful for the blessings the Lord has given me up until this point. I want to learn to be content regardless of my circumstances. And I want the same for you, too. 

My prayer is that you will choose to keep your eyes on what’s in front of you, rather than trying to look too far ahead. Don’t be like the author of the poem and miss out on what God has placed in your lap because you’re waiting for what’s next. Instead, be thankful for the place you’re in, the people around you, and the purpose God has for you, right now, in this moment.