Maturity.

As time moves on, as years fly by, we all want to grow up — to consider ourselves having jumped hurdles towards ever-increasing readiness in life.  No one aspires to be accused of still ‘acting like teenager’.

But then we do.  Act at times as if life has taught us nothing, as if experiences gained and wisdom gathered meant little.  Emotions run high and we justify actions based on fogginess of thinking seemingly appropriate in the moment.

We desire maturity and yet throw it out the window when it really matters.

There is hope.

Another option available beyond silliness characterizing irrational thinking and behavior.  Gratitude can grow us up.

The Apostle Paul challenges with words that in every circumstance, we can learn to be content.  Learn— an act of rehearsing information so that it sticks.  This implies practice, review, study — learning to be content doesn’t just happen or drop upon us with the proverbial wave of the magic wand.

We must learn contentment.

And while this scripture reference is often referred upon when financial matters arise, it’s a message too rich for one area alone. I can gain contentment — a stillness of soul and rest — in the middle of any circumstance….

…when angry or upset with another

…when they disappoint and I fail them as well

…when parenting or marriage, isn’t as easy

…when I feel alone or distant

…and a host of other emotional upheavals

by learning contentment — by growing contentment.

Not necessarily a happiness or thankfulness for the event at hand.

But gratitude within the circumstance.  To lift my head up and see what I do have — not only what is currently unaccounted for.  Friends, I speak from experience that while not always easy…it’s always possible to whisper out even the faintest gratitude in the face of difficulty.  And gratitude will grow us up.

And so I give praise ::

for Sunday sermons, soul food that lingers well into another day

impromptu lunch date with my spouse

laughter — truly the best medicine!

for sing-song cries of ‘mama’ done toddler style

for a quiet day of planning homeschooling adventures

friends that give & share of their home and hospitality

emerging plants and flowers from winter’s deep — spring!

sounds of music all around the house

All these, the simplest of events….grows gratitude, thankfulness, praise deep within this heart.  And gratitude bears fruit.

Maturity.