Learning to Be Satisfied - Martin Wiles

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16 NLT

One chose to stay on the farm; the other chose city life. One was satisfied; the other, well...

When my mom was a junior in high school, she chose to leave her family farm and marry my dad. Her new life would take her away from her country upbringing and plant her in cities and rural areas for the remainder of her life. Mom’s sister, however, married a Navy man and chose to build their home next to her parents and remain on the family farm—a place she stayed until her death.

My grandparents’ old homeplace was sold for a negligible amount—and it seemed the same would happen to my aunt’s home. But her oldest son stepped in and decided he and his wife would make it their retirement home. All the hunting, fishing, and golf he could stand would surround him. Sadly, he died soon thereafter from a heart attack, and the home passed into a stranger’s hands.

I always envied my cousins, growing up with open land all around them. Hunting, fishing, romping through the woods. Having pets wasn’t a problem. Leash laws didn’t exist. Being able to raise chickens, cows, hogs, and anything else they wanted without having to wonder where they’d put them or if the smell would offend the neighbors. They lived a carefree, down-to-earth lifestyle.

Because Mom and Dad chose city and small-town life, I had to endure it as well. Although it has its conveniences, I still miss the open land and the perks of country living.

I’ve also been known to envy those God is using, wishing he’d use me the same way. Paul reminded the early believers that the church was like a body. Each part has a specific function, and they fit together perfectly. When one piece is out of whack, the entire body is affected.

Curbing my jealousy is an ongoing lesson God must teach me. Instead of envying what he does in other believers’ lives, we must learn to enjoy what he does in ours, as well as rejoice in what he does in others’ lives. We’re not in competition but in cahoots with other believers. Our job is not to fuss and fight but to work together to accomplish God’s work in this world. He gives us unique opportunities and personalities. Even when we share the same gift as another person, we will use it differently.

Rather than envying someone else’s gift, use yours to fulfill God’s plan for you.

Father, thank you for giving me unique gifts and opportunities. Help me to use them faithfully in your service.

I invite you to try my book Grits, Grace, and God in eBook or paperback. If you want a daily dose of God's grace, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Be Happy - Martin Wiles

So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people to do in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. Ecclesiastes 8:15 NLT

My great-grandmother rarely ventured beyond the confines of her bedroom, but she was happy.

Mammy, my great-grandmother, lived with my paternal grandparents for as long as I can remember. Her bedroom was just off the living room of the old home, and in those two rooms, she spent most of her days. But she never appeared sad. Crocheting afghans was one of her passions. For weeks and months, she sat in a straight-back white chair, a basket of yarn beside her, an intense smile on her face, and worked her needles. Often, she watched Perry Mason on the television while she did so. If not him, a game show.

When Mammy wasn’t there, she lay or sat on her bed and read her Bible. I often sat with her and had long conversations.

Mammy was always happy. From today’s vantage point, she appeared to live a somewhat dull lifestyle, but obviously, she didn’t think so. She enjoyed the simple things. Wise King Solomon proposed eating, drinking, and enjoying life.

Happiness is a state of mind and not governed by circumstances or things—as Solomon discovered. Things may create happiness for a brief time, but eventually—like a child, we tire of them and want something new. And if we wait until circumstances are continually pleasant to get happy, we’ll only experience happiness infrequently.

A permanent state of happiness—like Mammy possessed—is only created through a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Knowing our sins are forgiven lets us live with a smile—and we should. We have something to be happy about. This continual state of heart happiness validates our witness to others. A contradiction occurs if we claim to know Christ yet always appear sad. Understanding that God loves us unconditionally and that we can never do anything to make him stop is essential for maintaining a smile.

Happiness can also be caught. I caught Mammy’s, and I hope my demeanor and the words I write will help others catch the “Be Happy” attitude, too.

Be happy. Don’t let circumstances govern your smiles.

Father, remind me I can live in a state of joy because of what you’ve done.

Tweetable: Do circumstances determine your happiness? 

I invite you to try my newest book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, in eBook or paperback. If you are an editor who wants to hone your grammar skills or someone who just wants to improve your writing or speaking, this is the book for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.