It would be safe to say that much of my adult life I have been content. There have been times when I have been restless, and too many times when I have been anxious, but a deep contentment anchored those emotions. Okay, to be honest, contentment settled in after a disastrous early marriage. Those brief years, and I would have been classified as an adult, were not stable or safe, two of my necessities for contentment. I was truly blessed with finding/being found by two good, honest men of integrity. That was sequentially, not simultaneously!
    This line of thought came as my dog Arie and I were out walking. After far too long, we have resumed daily excursions — shorter than usual— as I recover from a pinched nerve and tendonitis in a major backside muscle set. Perhaps my deep gratitude for my recovery spawned the thought of this deep contentment that I am currently enjoying. I love my home. This spring saw the completion of several major projects. I could certainly have appreciated my home without them, however these improvements not only make my day to day easier, they will enable me to be comfortable in my home as I continue to age.
    There was a time when my home was filled with background noise; I don’t appreciate noise for the sake of noise anymore. I even gave my TV away, and it was a smart one. I have space for my hobbies and my books. I have time. I have time to simply sit, to visit with friends, to work at my own pace. I cook and bake when I am so moved, not out of necessity. I’m really ok with leftovers, and can enjoy soup or chili or more days than I probably should. The yards are perfect for me.
    Yes, plural. The front yard is for looks, even went so far as to have some dandelion control last year. There are chairs on the deck, not often a body in the chair. The middle yard is my den. There are raised vegetable beds, raspberries, strawberries, one goodberry, several hap-saks, some saskatoons and three apple trees. There are bird nests and a bird bath, lawn chairs and a fire pit. Mowing and trimming are a nightmare. The very back yard is so basic, nothing but grass. And I love each of these spaces.
    My contentment runs deep. I have people to love, and those who love me. Sticky hugs from little people fill my heart to overflowing. Letters, in lovely block letters, from great grandchildren grace the fridge. Phone calls and face times are gifts. No doubt, I’ve learned a great deal about relationships in my eighty years, have had to make some tough decisions, but I am so content with those who choose to be in my life — friends and family.
    This contentment is anchored in and by my faith. I have tested the faithfulness of my God, and have never found her wanting. I am striving to say with the assuredness of the Apostle Paul ‘ I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation’. Not quite there yet, but well on my way.