Phil.4[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Ever wish you were someone else? Somewhere else? Are you ever discontent with the circumstances God has put you in? Often while I was in the military I would get fed up with life on base, training, rules, and leadership and I would gaze out at the vast expanse of Pacific Ocean just a few hundred meters west of the freeway, wishing I could be out there on ship. Deployment was an escape for me and I loved it. I loved seeing nothing but water for weeks, visiting foreign countries, and the simplicity of life that I experienced when I was on ship. What I didn't remember was the frustration that would set in because of cramped living quarters, limited shower hours, inability to get away from annoying people, missing loved ones, not being able to enjoy simple pleasures like good food and a comfortable bed, and all the other negative things that went along with living on a ship for six months. Now, often I find my self looking back on my experience in the military overall and missing it (well, parts of it anyway).
The truth is that all of life's seasons have good times and not-so-good times, and it's natural to remember only the good. What we need to remain conscious of is that we are creating those good times right now and will look back on this season of our life with fondness someday. Instead of pining for the past or waiting for the future, purpose to live today in such a way that you will remember it with fondness, and be content with the circumstances God has given you.
2 comments:
Wow David, I don't remember you reading this to us but maybe you did. You should submit this to Readers Digest or something like that. It is a well written poem and expresses what you experienced so well. Good job.
Thank you. It has been in a box for the last 5 year and I don't think I've read it to anybody until now.
Post a Comment