Today was sunny, warm and just a beautiful day. The grass is overgrown from all the rain and the horses are always hungry so I put a lead rope on Shadow, walked her over to the tallest grass in our front yard and let her loose. I sat and read a book as she mowed the grass in her own way.
Mountain Man came home and found me sitting outside with a large horse by my side and a big smile on my face and once again he told me, "It doesn't take much to make you happy." He's right.
Part of my ability to be content arises from my faith. I have trust always in God's purpose for my life. I just have to listen. Yet, I'm human and I do get sad and anxious from time to time but when I do it's because I need to work on something. I tend to bounce back quickly and keep on going. I enjoy my life and part of life is struggle.
As Henry David Thoreau most wisely stated:
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler."
I've read all your comments and I feel I've gotten to know each of you better. Your comments have been very precious to me and I thank you for them.
I'd like to continue a dialog with you so I was wondering if you'd share with me your thoughts on contentment and happiness and living the life you've imagined.
Thanks,
Sara at Red Pine Mountain Farm
Thursday, August 21, 2008
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9 comments:
I always remember the quote by Helen Keller "life is either a daring adventure or nothing"
I think I would change it though for me to "Life is path...full of the good and bad....but you have to keep moving along it" something like that.
Also something Hemmingway said ...paraphrasing now but something like "life will break you". I think it will if one doesn't keep moving along the path. That's life to me.....when it's good..enjoy. When it's bad.....just keep moving.
This really is one of my favorite blogs...it's really good.
Contentment for me is a beautiful day, with my husband puttering in the garage, and me sitting in the breeze enjoying the view of my backyard and flowers, and my 2 dogs laying beside me chewing on their bones. It doesn't get any better than that. Any troubles you may have just ease away. I remember when my cousin died of cancer, feeling so sad, and going outside to sit in my backyard. I was still sad, but I felt closer to her sitting under the beautiful early August sky, hearing the birds singing. It reminded me that life goes on no matter what and things will feel better again.
I'm content with the way my life is. To me it's feeling secure in your life, marriage and family. Not feeling any uncertainty. I've been content all my life. Have had wonderful parents and now a wonderful husband so I think if I have the right balance and (since I'm Christian) the Lord, my life is good.
What a wonderful blog you have here! I really enjoyed reading your stories...you have such a great philosophy on life, built on faith...just what I needed to read this morning! Thanks! :)
I think contentment is achieved when you come to the realization that the only control you have is your faith in God. All things through Him, right? The path is there, let go and follow it.
Easier said than done for many. And some wonder where ambition and wanderlust come into that...but God knows our heart and that's part of our path...right?
Content is a funny word ... I am happy, but I cannot be content. I want always more, more, more ... I want more time with my children, more closeness with my husband, more beauty in my days, more I can give to others. But I can say I am not discontent. :)
Your post brought to mind these verses in I Timothy 4:6 & 8:
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. (I have all these things so no wonder I am content!)
Although I am not living the life I thought I'd have at this point, I am very happy and content. I have a very good job, nice home that is paid for, a loving, wonderful husband, two nice cats, good health, and opportunities to serve the God almighty! I agree with you, widcatsthree, relaxing at home with my husband and pets, I am very content!
I discovered your blog today, and read it "cover to cover". I came over from Life on a Southern Farm. (love her blog)
I just have to say that you are an incredibly talented writer and you are an inspiration with your life.
I will definitely be back!
Love all your dogs, is the black one a Newfoundland?
Take care :)
I love that quote from Thoreau! Contentment for me is seeing and feeling my blessings. Whether it's something as simple as a cool breeze in my face or as complicated and growing a living human being inside my body. Seeing the smiles on my children's faces and feeling sunshine on my face...smelling the air after the rain or the sound of leaves crunching under my feet....not sure if this was the type of answer you were looking for but this is what came to mind for me.
I love this blog! I am adding you to my blogroll!
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