Contentment

Right now, in this moment, in this time of my life, I am content.

I have been surrounded by people I love during the most wonderful, loving, happy, giving,  joyful time of year. I feel gratitude for the people I am blessed to have in my life and for the experiences I am given.  I feel loved by my family, friends, and my Heavenly Father. I feel the love of Christ, and I know I am supposed to help others feel that love He has to offer them. Contentment. Peace and rest to my soul.

Christmas Eve with the Summers family

Jack watch, Matt boots

Meg got a boxer blankie

My sweet gandmother

The traditional watching of A Muppet Christmas Carol

My mom and dad

Stockings on Christmas morning



Stitch

In all my contentment I understand that things will change. Life comes at you fast. Problems arise, health fades, opportunities differ. So I am clinging to the contented moments and putting them away to remember in the harder ones. And giving myself a little advice to soften and clarify the times when I'm not quite so content. In no specific order, this is what comes to mind.

It is critical to my spirit to search for Light-in everyone, in everything. It may be buried, it may be weak, but it's there if you look for it. It can change everything.

Understanding the difference between true judgments and personal opinions, values and insights can save more hurt feelings than just about anything else. So many times we assume we are being judged when someone voices something different from what we are thinking/doing/believing. We are usually judging ourselves harder than any one else could.

Love is the answer, really and truly. It strengthens, it heals, it brings understanding and peace. It gives continually without taking anything away. It grows when shared. It saves.

Someone else's achievements do not diminish my own. Everyone deserves the chance to grow, gain strength, and be blessed.

A beautiful outside cannot make your inside beautiful. Inner beauty radiates outward. Inner beauty can make anyone beautiful. I think everyone wants to be beautiful. The good news is, everyone really can.

Every day is a new beginning. Every moment is a chance to change. There's always a silver lining. There's always a way to see light.

Happy New Year!