The devil in Discontentment

This post has been on my heart for a few weeks now, so I am finally sitting down to write it. I kept thinking that the longer I waited to write this out, the more profound and applicable it would be, but I need to stop procrastinating, and I am praying this will be encouraging to someone. I think discontentment is something we all struggle with in some aspect of our lives, and I feel like this is where the devil sees an opening and tries to claw his way in. This post makes it sound like I am unhappy, and that couldn't be further from the truth. I feel so humbled and blessed that God allowed Parker and I to find each other, that he put Jenny in our lives, and that he surrounded us with the most amazing family and friends. But it is human nature to want more. Social media definitely does not help as it serves as a blatant showcase where we all brag about how great our weekend was, how adorable our dog is, how wonderful our husbands/boyfriends are, etc. Because we tend to only showcase the good and hide the not so good, we start believing that there are people out there with perfect lives.

We got married in 2011 along with a lot of other people our age, and many of those 2011 couples are now expecting their first child. Parker and I cannot wait to be parents, but we know there are better times than others to have kids in the Navy, and now is not one of the better times. It's so easy to be discontent with our situation knowing that if Parker had an 8-5 desk job, there would be nothing stopping us from trying to start a family. I think this is where the devil sees an opportunity. God designed this life specifically for Parker and me to live out, so how dare I feel jealous or sad that others are getting to start a family and we are not? Every day there seems to be another pregnancy announcement, and I am genuinely thrilled for each couple who learns they are expecting. I can't even imagine the joy they must feel when they find out! I get excited for people I hardly know because I know it's something I so badly want, so I can only imagine how it must feel to know that it's actually happening. Again though, it's so easy to be discontent and wish I had that. I try to remember though that no matter how perfect someone's life seems, it's not. They struggle with the same pitfalls that the rest of us do. I heard this saying a while back, and it has stuck with me.

"If we all threw our problems into a big pile, you'd take your problems back and run once you saw what others had thrown in."

So today I am focusing on the positives in my life and knowing that there really is so much to be thankful for. Are Parker and I having a baby right this minute? No, but are we still blessed beyond belief? A thousand times yes. Instead of focusing on what you wish you had, say a prayer and thank God for all He has already given you, and know that His perfect plan is often beyond our comprehension. I can't wait to see what God has planned for Parker and me, but for right now, I know He's got us right where He wants us, so what more could I ask for?

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!