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Hello ,
After you read the little article below you might ask, naturally, "What's the motivation to change anything if we are content with life as it is?" That's the topic of the next issue!
- Sheldon Swartz
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Choosing the Road Towards Contentment
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". . . . content whatever the circumstances."
Philippians 4:11b
Often I work with people (including the most difficult - myself!) who seem to be fighting some sort of reality, who seem to be resisting something about the way things are. In looking at this more closely we may become aware that much of our pain is caused not by what is, but from our resistance to what is, whether that be something external, like that "thorn-in-the-flesh" person in our lives, or internal, such as our emotions and thoughts. That's why people find it so relieving when they are able to own up to the way things are and accept it rather than resist it. Nothing has changed circumstantially, but one's attitude and actions in those circumstances can now come from a peaceful, reconciled center. Makes a world of difference.
Jesus came to reconcile us to reality, the reality about our world, our neighbors, and ourselves and to enable us to relate to each of those out of a core contentment, an attitude that says "no matter what happens I have everything I really need. The world does not need to change for me (I accept it the way it is) but I seek to be involved in the world in a way that is an aid in God's reconciling work."
In the Philippians Scripture quoted above, the Apostle Paul didn't make learning this kind of contentment a snap. He says that he learned it, and he learned it over a period of time through all sorts of hardships. But because he learned it he felt strong, able to do what God had called him to.
So, choose Life! Be willing to believe that deep contentment often comes through deep trials. Long for that deeper contentment and open yourself to the stuff that is designed to wean you from attachments to what can't bring that deep contentment anyway! In doing so, you are choosing Life.
You have everything you need. This song is a wonderful invitation to accept that truth. Look up the lyrics. Soak it up, but then also gently ask yourself, "What would I like to accept that I have been resisting?"
Lord Jesus, it has seemed to me that ______________ needs to change. I have not been able to accept it as it is. Will you help me come to a place where I am no longer fighting reality so that I can relate to that reality with your Spirit of love and truth?
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Sheldon Swartz, M.A, LMFT works with individuals, couples, and families to identify the ways of life and death in their lives and help uncover the motivation to choose that which leads to life, whether it be through counseling or spiritual direction.
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