I'll be happy when...
I get my Masters Degree.
I get my dream job in my career field.
I buy my first house.
I get married.
I have a baby.
I lose this baby weight.
I have $______ in savings.
I can finally take that trip to Bali.
My hair grows out.
My kid can make her own meals.
I can afford a new car.
I can hire a housekeeper.
My friend apologizes for hurting my feelings.
My husband does all the things I think he should do.
I don't have to worry about money.
I get my BIG break.
I can finally get some time for myself.
I'll be happy when...
We're all guilty of thinking this way at some point in our lives. Feeling as though our happiness lies somewhere outside of where we are currently, that our contentment is wrapped up inside our next achievement, our next promotion, our next award, our next degree, or the next title added to our names.
It's called Destination Addiction and it can steal your joy if you allow it to. It's so easy to get caught up in the lie that where you are and what you have and who you are right now aren't enough. Oh sure, many of us are fighting through unfortunate circumstances right now that are HARD, and we'd love nothing more than to move right past them into greener pastures and better times. Part of what motivates us to remain strong and to keep pushing through it all is the hopeful anticipation of a better life with fewer hardships in the future. And that's understandable. We need that. We need to dream and hope and pray that where we are is not where we'll always be and that the difficulties we face now are only temporary.
But in the midst of it all, we must be careful not to miss the bits of goodness and blessings that are scattered throughout the challenging minutes of each day. The little glimpses of light that break up the darkness when it becomes overwhelming. The little nuggets of hope and encouragement that always seem to appear at just the right moments. The things and people and relationships and jobs we prayed for that we now have right in front of us.
Because the love and compassion and dedication and provision and wonder and hope that is woven into the seconds that make up our days are worthy of appreciation. And even CELEBRATION. Because these are the moments that we have RIGHT NOW. These are the people that love us RIGHT NOW. These are the tasks and careers that sustain us and provide for our families RIGHT NOW. These are the homes that provide us with warmth and shelter RIGHT NOW. These are the vehicles that get us to and from our destinations safely RIGHT NOW. And RIGHT NOW, the present, is all we have.
There is value and beauty and virtue to be found in where we are today. After getting her hair done this morning, Bean gave me the biggest hug and said, "Mama, I love it! You're the best "hair-styler" in the whole world!" There is a gorgeous woodpecker perched right outside my window as I type. I remembered to take all of my meds this morning. I had a great therapy session with a client and I'm making progress on my to-do list for today. I am loved. I am safe. I am cared for. I am here. And I am grateful.
What about your life TODAY can you choose to appreciate? If you just take a few minutes, I think you'll find that you have more reasons to be grateful than you realize.
Love y'all,
Faith