“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” – Phil. 4:11
Having peace and contentment sounds great to some people. For them, it would be like a soothing massage of their minds and emotions. To other folks, it might sound out of reach, even impossible. Their minds won’t shut off or slow down. Their emotional ups and downs can feel like they’re strapped inside a runaway roller coaster. Others have come to accept chaos as the norm.
Yet, the New Testament speaks of peace. We’re called to peace. We’re promised peace. Since the Apostle Paul stated that he had learned to be content, we can know that peace and contentment are available for our learning, too.
As mentioned previously, only suggestions are offered, but do consider them in your life. The list began with: LOVE WHO YOU ARE. Here’s another:
#2 – DON’T WAIT FOR PERFECT TO BE HAPPY
Psa. 90:12 “Teach us to number our days.”
A funeral often serves as a reminder of what we’d rather not think about – our own mortality. Being mortal means we have limited time – maybe long, maybe short, but our time is limited. So, rather than speculate on the future, let’s focus on how to use our time wisely in the present. That’s easy to do when we’re feeling good and life is going smoothly. But feelings and circumstances always change. Those changes don’t have to rob us of our peace. Here’s some advice from a professional advice giver. Psychologist Jerome Bruner said, ‘You are more likely to act yourself into feeling than to feel yourself into action.’ Country folks say it this way, ‘Fake it ’til you make it.’
I enjoy watching past episodes of America’s Got Talent on YouTube because I can skip through to the acts I like, especially those that are uplifting. There is one that stays with me. A thin woman with very little hair but a big smile was asked to tell her story. She said she had always loved to sing but had been fighting cancer for a long time. Although she was not cancer-free, she made up her mind to pursue her dream. She then said this: ‘You can’t wait until it’s perfect to be happy.” Simon Cowell was in tears. So was I.
If the weather ruins my plans, I can’t wait for perfect to be happy.
If my friend disappoints me, I can’t wait for perfect to be happy.
If a family member creates friction, I can’t wait for perfect to be happy.
If it’s inconvenient to help someone in need, I can’t wait for perfect to be happy.
If I’m going to wait until conditions are perfect and wait until I’m feeling perfect, then I need to find that YouTube clip, watch that little lady sing again, and stop waiting on perfect. Why not give it a try, as well?
#1 – LOVE WHO YOU ARE
#2 – DON’T WAIT FOR PERFECT TO BE HAPPY
#3 – DO GOOD WITH YOUR TIME (next week)
–Jackie Chesnutt, Chaplain & Emotional Support Coach for Myers-Davis (11/3/2025)
