Joyful and Blessed

Most people my age have already have their own house, vehicle, a handful of kids and a stable job. I have only one of the above, which is a stable job and only one child.

My husband and I have yet to build our house, we have a car and a motorcycle but the vehicle is actually issued by the company that I work for. I don’t shell out any money for its upkeep and even my mobile phone and Internet data is paid for by them. If people would look at me, I’d probably be considered moderately successful.

I would like to have my own house one day and I guess that’s the extent of my ambitions. I do not have the driving force to aspire for too much money, except for extra funds for traveling, because I want to enjoy life. I don’t want to spend my days slaving over a job and piling up money for the future. I am a “live in the moment” kind of person and I want to sleep at night knowing I had a good day. I don’t want to regret not spending enough time with people who matter like my little boy who will soon be a teenager, my parents, extended family and a few close friends.

I show up at our family house daily, I keep in touch with friends who are close to me and am often by myself most of the time. I don’t advertise my life on social media but truly I am blessed beyond words. I have enough difficulties to keep me on my toes, enough love to keep me going and most importantly, good health. My work is challenging because of the pandemic (I don’t get to travel for now) but so far, it is shaping up as expected.

I guess I am one of the most laid back and grounded person ever. According to my husband, nothing ever fazes me–not even my mother’s bout with cancer. But the truth is I find my joy in the Lord. My faith keeps me joyful and blessed. When I am in a difficult situation, I pray. When I am happy, I pray. I always believe that things happen for a reason, so I take all things in stride. I am fine if I have money in my wallet and will do without just as well. The truth is, I am happier broke because I won’t have to dream of buying unnecessary stuff, only the basics such as food and groceries.

Basically, my gratitude and contentment keeps me simple and sane. I am grateful for what I have now and anything in excess just would be extra blessings. Sure, I want to not have to worry about my finances but then, where would the challenge in living be? If I had too much money, I would probably end up being too materialistic. I mean sure, I dream of getting a new oven, an air fryer, a KitchenAid mixer, a good quality food processor and a spice rack to die for but I can do without for now.

I cannot offer anyone advice on how to live their lives, to be grateful for what they have and all that. But if I could give you a hint, try reading the Bible daily and writing in a journal about what you read. You don’t have to allot too much time. I read one chapter at night, choose a verse or two that struck me or find most meaningful and write it down in my notebook. Doing this before bedtime or prior to starting your day is a good habit. It will probably take you ten minutes or less but you’ll find it makes huge difference in your day. Sometimes, the thing you are most concerned about gets answered when you open the Bible. Give it a shot today, You’ll thank me later.

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