“When life gives you lemons……. make lemonade! “ 

Ok……I didn’t make that up! It’s always good to remind myself that life has ups and downs and it’s not always easy making lemonade.

 As I see it contentment is not a matter of what happens to us as much as knowing that this is what our Creator has given to us.  So, what is contentment and how does being content make our lives more interesting as well as leading to being happy?

 A definition might be helpful.  To be content is to feel or show satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation. 

There is a beautiful freedom that accompanies contentment: freedom to be and live the life you were destined to live.

Most people, I believe, desire to be content with what they have.  Many of us, especially older ones like me, are secure in life.  That doesn’t mean that we are complacent. 

Contentment isn’t about giving up or not wanting more.  It’s just that life becomes more meaningful.   Contentment is a powerful force that can provide the inspiration to reach higher than we ever dreamed.  Contentment doesn’t squelch ambition.  Contentment fuels it.    It’s about recognizing what we already have, valuing it, and deciding to make the most out of it. 

When we are content, we better focus our energy on what truly matters.  When we’re no longer pursuing endless material acquisitions, we’re able to redirect our effort toward our passions.  We get to invest our time, our resources, and ourselves in the things that brings real meaning and fulfilment into our lives. 

Contentment leads us to make deliberate choices about how we spend our lives.  No longer are we running the rat race, trying to keep up with everyone else.  We choose our own path, embracing what gives us meaning and letting go of what doesn’t.

A mindset of abundance brings ambition because we are not acting out of scarcity, but out of gratitude for what we already have…..enthusiasm for what we can achieve, and a desire to share our gifts with others.

Contentment sparks perseverance.  We learn to be satisfied with what we have.  We become better equipped to tackle life’s ups and downs.  Contentment isn’t about giving up on our dreams or settling for less.  It’s about appreciating what we have, recognizing our potential and dreaming even bigger dreams for our lives.

                             Contentment can help us make real lemonade.!