Anticipation vs. Contentment

anticipation - to look forward to
contentment - modest satisfaction

For the longest time I have felt that these two things cannot go hand in hand. You either have to be content with what you have or constantly be looking for something more than who you are.

Today I have come to the conclusion that this is not the case. These two things can go hand in hand. Anticipating a new day, a new beginning, a new purpose, even a new book, can get you out of bed in the morning. It can give you a reason for living your life, doing good works, or just setting your house in order. Contentment comes from the result of those works, the accomplishments your have made from living the life you had anticipated.
Always seeking, anticipating new ideas, new projects, new ways to use your gifts and talents can bring you contentment within your life, peace with your heart, and fulfillment in your soul.
Seeking your purpose is a great anticipation of what God has in store for you. Finding contentment within yourself and your abilities helps fullfill the anticipation so that you can be used in the way you are meant to be used. Knowing that you have something to give, something to share, something to contribute to mankind gives you contentment within yourself.
Contentment in yourself, in those around you, in your purpose and your path is the greatest gift we can allow ourselves to receive. Anticipating what we can do with this gift is the bonus of being human.

New Beginnings Old Ideas

Today has to be one of the most beautiful so far this year. I have been enjoying the weather and the time off so much - but I am not letting myself enjoy it fully. I feel guilty, I don't want to waste any time doing "nothing" - I feel that I have to be productive 24/7. I really do need to relax and enjoy what God has allowed for me to have. Why don't I feel worthy and why do I always have to look to the future. Relax. Live in the moment, clear my mind. I guess one reason I don't relax well is because when I shut down, I tend to get depressed. I need structure, schedules. I need to be needed and to be able to cross the things off of the "to do" list to prove my worth - get over yourself!
I think I will go pull some weeds and give myself a talking to so that I can enjoy what I have instead of thinking too much!!!!