Savoring Every Morsel: Being Content In The Right Now

A day doesn't go by that our 3 1/2 year-old doesn't ask, "What are we doing tomorrow?" It could be 6:00 in the morning, and she will want to know our plans, not for that day, but for the next. And every time she asks that question, I shake my head and tell her, "Let's not worry about tomorrow, Kate. Let's just get through today." 

My husband reminds me that she is young and has absolutely nothing else to worry about, so she wants to know what to expect tomorrow. But part of me is annoyed every time she asks this question. 

Why?

First of all, because I have to think up an answer. An answer isn't hard to give. But even after giving her a response, it still doesn't settle well with me.  

I know she is happy as a lark with whatever I tell her, but what bugs me is the real reason I'm annoyed with her question: I see so much of myself in it. While my daughter's forward-thinking may be innocent, it shines a spotlight on my own weakness-- my lack of contentment in the present.

 

• The part of me that is never content with today but is always looking to tomorrow. 

• The part of me that runs at break-neck speed to avoid my present stresses and move on to the next phase of my life. 

• The part of me that longs for something more, something better, something that will satisfy me once and for all.

I am always rushing through today trying to get to tomorrow. 


I struggle with just being in this moment and enjoying life right now because tomorrow seems so much more enticing.

And what are the consequences if I keep this up? 

I will miss out on the beauty and preciousness of the present because I am not present. 

I will not be fully participating in the journey that is my life.

The apostle Paul knew about real suffering, something I cannot truly fathom. He told the church at Philippi:

"...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

Philippians 4:11b-12

And where did Paul derive his contentment?  

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

From Christ: The One who supplies ALL our needs. Not all our wants, but all our needs.

How can we be truly content in the here-and-now?

1. Realize that true contentment comes when we honor God and center our lives on Him. We must recognize that God has a plan for us and that plan includes both difficult times and times of ease, stressful times and times of peace.

"'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 hope and a future.'"


Jeremiah 29:11

God is doing great things in our lives right at this very moment. Focus on Him.


2. Slow down and be present. Stop trying to dodge the challenges or rush through the stressful parts of this season in your life. Instead, find joy in the pain and beauty in the suffering, for we know:

"suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us."

Romans 5:3b-5

When we embrace our present circumstances instead of running from them, we can rejoice in our sufferings knowing that they are strengthening our character and better preparing us to stand up against Satan.

As Priscilla Shirer so beautifully describes in The Resolution for Women, discontentment "robs you of your years. Then before you know it, you've missed out on the joys in the journey, the growth that comes from battling through the difficulties, the sweet and savory experience of creating the memories" (15).

Have you, like me, been rushing through the difficult parts of life hoping to get to a good place?  Have you missed out on or forgotten the good memories along the way? Why not commit now to make a change?

My goal is to take five minutes every evening to recount the joyful as well as the difficult aspects of the day. I plan to either jot them down in my journal, share them with my husband, or both.  

My prayer is for God to teach me contentment and help me find joy in the present that I will be the right example to my children.


What can you do TODAY to live in the moment and truly enjoy your journey through this life?


I am praying God's richest blessings on you as we grow in His glory! 

Keri

For comments or questions, contact me at: growinginhisglory@gmail.com

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This post is linked to: The Better Mom Mondays, Teach Me Tuesdays, Time-Warp Wife Titus 2Days, Top 10 Tuesdays, Women Living Well Wednesdays, Raising Homemakers Wednesdays, Raising Mighty Arrows Proverbs 31 Thursdays

 

Top 10 Tips for Dealing with Fatigue in Pregnancy

When I was pregnant with our first child, I taught and went to school full-time. Fatigue was easily remedied though because I had the luxury of napping whenever I wanted. With child #2, I was at home but taking care of a toddler. However, I made time to sleep during my daughter's nap time. Now that I am caring for two active little girls ages 3 1/2 and 1 1/2, with our third baby expected to arrive within the next five to six weeks, I have really found myself struggling to stay vertical, especially in the afternoon hours.

Here are my top 10 tips for dealing with pregnancy-related fatigue:

1. Get some rest. Obviously, if you're tired you need to take a break. That is easier said than done, though, if you work or have children to take care of. However, if you have a designated nap/rest time, take advantage of it! Drop the housework and get horizontal. I always rest when my girls nap: sometimes I sleep, other times I fix some hot tea, put my legs up, and read. Or, if a friend offers to take your kids for the afternoon, graciously accept and use that time to rest. 

2. Make sure you're eating. Sometimes in an effort to get my girls fed, I neglect to feed myself. Then, when I turn into Miss Crabby-Pants, I realize I haven't eaten in hours. Don't just grab a candy bar or something loaded with sugar or caffeine. Sure you'll get a quick pick-me-up but only temporarily, and then you will be in worse shape than before. Carefully consider if what you're eating will boost or ultimately diminish your energy level.

3. Drink to thirst. Often the number one reason for fatigue is dehydration or lack of water. Dehydration can lead to over 20% reduction of energy output as well as cause headaches, so make sure you're drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day. I fill up a water bottle to drink from while I'm away from home. If water bores you like it does me, then add some citrus slices. I love lime or orange in my water while some women I know enjoy cucumber in their water. Whatever motivates you to drink more water, do it!

 4. Exercise (a little). While moving my body is the last thing I want to do when I'm tired, often just getting up and stretching, doing some pregnancy exercises, or taking a short walk with the kids will give me a burst of energy that will allay my fatigue. I speak from experience when I say that lying around all day will only increase your feelings of tiredness. So get up and move even if just a little.

5. Get up late and/or go to bed early. If you have the luxury, sleep in! However, if you have children who wake up before the sun rises, then make every effort to head to bed an hour or two earlier than usual to get more sleep. Some nights I am so exhausted that I go to bed just after our oldest falls asleep around 8:30. Those nights I get 9-10 hours of rest and feel much better in the mornings. Resist the urge to stay up late even if you're just lying on the couch watching TV, and instead go to sleep. 

6. Eat iron-rich foods. Foods like spinach, dark leafy greens, dried fruit, cooked dried beans, soy products, and lean red meats are high in iron, which play a major role in red blood cell formation. Iron-rich foods will also help pump up your energy level. If you find yourself craving red meat, then trust your body and indulge in moderation. I have been trying to eat a serving or two each of spinach and beans daily to help reduce fatigue and can really tell a difference. 

7. Plan your days around your energy level. For me, my energy level is at its highest in the mornings, so I take advantage of it by doing housework, running errands, playing outside, and doing "school" then. After lunch, my energy level plummets, and mere thoughts of going outside or cleaning wipe me out. However, there are the boisterous kids to consider. That is when I drag out the art boxes, have read-aloud time, or put in a video so Mama can rest. 

8. Stop stressing! When you're feeling fatigued, the last thing you want to do is expend energy cooking or cleaning. Although those household duties must be done, don't worry if your house doesn't pass "the white glove test." If someone offers to help, let them! A clean house and home-cooked meals will resume in due time.

9. Eat a high-protein diet. Protein is the building block of the body, essential for healthy bones, and vital to preventing fatigue. Healthy sources of protein include eggs, beans, chicken, fish, nuts, cheese, and milk. With my first pregnancy, I tracked my daily protein consumption, making sure to eat between 80-100 grams per day. I haven't been so disciplined since then, but I do try to center meals and snacks around one or two healthy proteins. For instance, I usually eat 2 eggs at breakfast, a bean & cheese quesadilla or tuna or salmon salad at lunch, peanut butter on whole wheat bread or yogurt and granola for snack, and a variety of proteins for supper. 

10. See your doctor or midwife. If you find that you have extreme fatigue even after improving your diet and getting plenty of rest, then consult your doctor or midwife. She or he may run tests to check for anemia. 

Praying God's richest blessings on you as you continue to grow in His glory!

Keri

 

For comments or questions, contact me at: growinginhisglory@gmail.com

Find Growing in His Glory on Facebook.

I would love to see more of you!  If you are encouraged by what you read here and would like to have posts from Growing in His Glory delivered to your inbox daily, simply click here.  Or you can subscribe in a reader of your choice in the right sidebar.

This post is linked to: The Better Mom Mondays, Teach Me Tuesdays, Time-Warp Wife Titus 2Days, Top 10 Tuesdays, Women Living Well Wednesdays, Raising Homemakers Wednesdays, Raising Mighty Arrows Proverbs 31 Thursdays