I don’t have any great news to share. There’s no new job, baby, or beau. I have no exciting opportunity that I’m just burning to announce. I haven’t been to any cool events, and I haven’t been on vacation in over a year. In essence, I feel like I’m lacking.
I’ve been working hard, though in my eyes, it hasn’t paid off. And for a really long time, I started to be jealous of all of the celebrating I saw on social media. With every congratulatory Facebook post, the green-eyed monster reared its ugly head, and a part of me fell deeper into disappointment about everything that hasn’t been happening to me. When will it be my time?
But the truth is that [inlinetweet prefix=”” tweeter=”” suffix=””]every season isn’t a winning one[/inlinetweet], and it shouldn’t be. Sometimes, we bloom, and sometimes, we wait in the rain. But every time, we should keep going with the trust we have in God that are growing as long as we do our part. Galatians 6:9 says, [inlinetweet prefix=”” tweeter=”” suffix=”Galatians 6:9″]“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”[/inlinetweet]
I honestly believe that to be true, so this year, I’ve been working and praying on contentment — being happy in any and all circumstances, and I’m reminded of Paul’s letter to the Philippians in which he talks about learning the principle of contentment because it’s not always a natural emotion for humans to have.
Philippians 4:11 says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Paul had been through it all. He’d been rich, and he’d been poor, but in all cases, he realized that it was for a reason. He was even put in jail for his missionary work, along with Silas. When there was a big earthquake, they could’ve escaped but stayed because their mission wasn’t yet done. They stayed and because they did so, they converted the jailer to Christ (in Acts 16). [inlinetweet prefix=”” tweeter=”” suffix=””]God has us endure our rain for a reason.[/inlinetweet]
So when Paul says in verse 12, “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,” he’s not lying. God supplies all that we need when we need it, and it’s our duty to learn contentment, understanding that we’ll get it.
My time will come, but in the meantime, I’ll keep praying, I’ll keep growing, and I will be content.
Some of these seasons last longer than others and are meant for us to plant, to reflect or to rest. Being content in where you are, assisting others and taking time to do the things you aren’t able to do in winning seasons is key. As is being genuinely happy for those close to you [even through the tears] and not giving up on yourself if the clock isn’t catching up to your thoughts of when you think you the hard work should be paying off. And Arionne, you are greatness, so I’m sure that this season for you is for you to observe… for in the success of those around you are the keys for your next level so you don’t waste time or energy. We don’t have to chase or ‘make’ things happen… I love this post so much, for so many reasons, but mainly because I’m still in the longest ‘sit this one out’ season of my life and it took me almost 5 years to make this revelation. Thank you for hitting ‘publish’.
Good stuff. I feel like I’m going through a similar situation myself. I try to focus on the positive but it becomes so difficult. I appreciate your honesty through your writing. Your blessings will come soon.