Philippians 4: 11-12 says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Contentment can look like one or two things. It can be content in your life and not wanting to better yourself, or it can be having to be content with circumstances you cannot control. I have learned both sides of the word throughout this past year. Growing up, I was never the one to know exactly what I wanted to do with my life. While other classmates would say they would be an accountant, lawyer, nurse, etc… I didn’t experience a clarity in which God provided clear answers of this is what I want you to do. I knew I could write well and enjoyed it so I majored in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Speech Communications. In May 2010, I graduated from Southern Miss still lost in what was next for me. Fast forward a couple of years going from sales, advertising, direct mail and contract work, and I’m in school to be a court reporter.

I realized that supporting S is very important to me and for a couple of years I was content with it but over the past year my contentment was wearing thin. Being a wife to a professional athlete, you learn selflessness very quick. Baseball is not forever and you just have to live in the moment and not take any success for granted. After much prayer, I decided with my typing, grammar and writing skills to enter Court Reporting School this past March. It has been one of the biggest challenges as to become a Court Reporter you have to be able to write 225 words per minute (exact verbatim) and learn a foreign keyboard. God will show up in your life and give you the answer but when he does be prepared for what He has in store.

Sometimes, what God has in store does not make any sense and you cannot see past the “what is now” and have to wait for the bigger plan ahead. The other side of contentment is what you cannot control. S and I have lived the verse Philippians 4:12 throughout his career. This summer S’s knee started really bothering him, and it became swollen. MRI was done and found he had a slightly torn meniscus that has been there for 3 years. He decided to press on and continue to finish the season since it was so minor and just prayed every start “God keep him safe from harm.” On top of the knee, this past month was a whirlwind of adjustments. We decided to be content with our situation and at the end of the day we have each other and God on our side. I mean does it get much better than the Lord who created the heavens and earth calls me his daughter and will never fail me?

I challenge you to use the word “contentment” in your favor. I know sometimes you probably feel like your just going through the motions in life and waiting for what is next; I have been there but remember contentment, and God’s promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Thanks for reading!

XOXO,

HC