It has been awhile since I’ve written anything. I could blame my absence on a mixture of excuses. I could blame it on a critical lack of time, a sad lack of inspiration, or just plain laziness. But, to be quite honest, and maybe a little too revealing, I’ve been in sort of a funk lately – a mood that is very hard to define. I am quite certain that if I can somehow manage to get my heart around the exact thoughts and feelings that are causing this funk I will be able to talk myself out of it.
If you are one of those blessed people who never gets down then go ahead and skip this page. If you however are like most of us, and struggle with a dip in your joy meter every once in a while, then read on. And by all means please offer some comments, encouragements, and suggestions. Perhaps we can help each other.
The following thoughts and ideas are just my way of trying to sort it all out.
How could a life filled with so many blessings and so many reasons for thankfulness, happiness and joy sometimes feel so mundane and joyless? (I feel guilty even writing this question)
Intellectually I know the answer. My mind knows the story and the thoughts of King Solomon found in the book of Ecclesiastes but apparently my heart and soul have not yet grasped the concept.
Contentment vs. Complacency
I know that the Bible teaches that true happiness is found in contentment. (I Timothy 6:6-8, Philippians 4; 12, Proverbs 19:13, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) However, does striving for self improvement physically, intellectually, or financially signal discontentment? Should I feel guilty when I long for self improvement? Is my desire for physical improvement just vanity? Could my desire for some financial stability be considered greed?
Again, intellectually I know the answer. Godliness and a Fear of the Lord must proceed and far outweigh all else. (Mark 6:33) Honestly, when it comes to text book answers, my head is a lot smarter than my heart – but my heart always wins. (Or perhaps, my trouble is just the opposite)
What do you think?
My heart knows but my head says are you sure??
10 years ago
3 comments:
I am so happy that your heart always wins!!!! I think God knows that even when we are blessed just sometimes we may be down or in a "funk". Perhaps that is the reason we are instructed to be quiet and let God work. Sometimes our lives get so filled with stuff...mind you important stuff that we do not pause and let God work in our life.
Connie
My suggestion is to get away and be alone. Rest your mind and body and refuel. Our hearts tell us when it is time to recharge or jump-start our battery.
Thankfully you have admitted that your heart wins. Your heart will never give you exact answers or reasons. But, it will give you a cause to pause and recharge.
Thank you for being such a good leader, husband, father, and friend.
I’m starting to feel better. I really can’t explain my slight bouts with depression – my temporary dips into the dark side. If there is anyone in this world who is too blessed to be depressed – it should be me!!!!!
I admit that that it does happen to me every once in a while (just ask Lynetta) . I understand and sympathize with anyone who suffers from real depression. It really is a very frustrating, helpless and debilitating feeling. Even when I know its happening I have little or no control of it. Eventually I simply wake up (sometimes in the middle of the day) and wonder where my head has been. When it finally passes it usually leave me feeling pretty silly and really guilty.
Anyway, good or bad, I’m back to being Gary again. Thanks Connie for the encouraging words. Your example and wisdom has been like a ray of sunshine.
Ecclesiastes 7:11 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the son.
GARY YOU MUST KNOW THAT WE ALL GET TO THAT PLACE EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. I SOMETIMES WONDER WHY THEN I REALIZE THAT GOD HAS A PLAN AND A LESSON FOR US AND THAT IS TO ALWAYS TRUST HIM AND GIVE IT ALL TO HIM. I WISH THAT I COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING AND HAVE THINGS THE WAY THAT I WANT THEM BUT THEN I REALIZE THAT I AM SO LUCKY TO HAVE WONDERFUL FAMILY SUCH AS YOU TO GET ME THROUGH TO THE NEXT DAY. I LOVE YOU GUYS AND I AM SO LUCKY THAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME SUCH A WONDERFUL FAMILY TO LOVE AND BE LOVED BY.
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