Target Lesson…
My family went to Target this evening. I enjoy going there, usually. I participate in their particular type of retail therapy regularly. I especially like to go alone. But, tonight was a family trip. Its unusual for us but the trip was a non event. Nothing memorable happened. No diaper blowouts requiring new clothing. No temper tantrums.
No begging.
My daughter typically has a bad habit of begging. She becomes the shadow of the person with the wallet. Then as though she has no memory at all, she completely forgets about the shelves, no rooms, full of toys. And it begins. She asks for something – a toy, a craft supply – anything. What is at home is not good enough – she HAS to have…
As a result of the many Target trips where this has occurred, we’ve discussed it a lot. She and I have had conversations about being satisfied with what she has rather than always looking for something more. Tonight I had to wonder if maybe it has sunk in with her because she did not beg at all.
I was so in shock about it, I pondered it while I made muffins for tomorrow morning’s breakfast. As I thought it over, I’m embarrassed to tell you I realized something. An almost audible voice said, “Its too bad you aren’t learning this lesson.” I almost dropped an egg shell into the muffin batter.
You see, if you’ll allow me to be vague, the Lord has been trying to teach me something. I can’t really tell you the details because even now, I feel confident I haven’t come to grasp the lesson yet. Let me say this – there is a very particular area in my life, even though its small, where I have been unsatisfied. It is not an evil desire in and of itself. However, there have been times where it has been an idol. In my heart I have pursued satisfaction far above my love for Christ.
“But Lord, why not? Why can’t I have this? It would make me so happy! I’m sure of it!” This is what my prayer often sounds like… Tonight He responded, to my heart “Contentment is a choice. You are going to have to choose contentment. Your situation is not going to change right now.”
Didn’t I just have this conversation with my own daughter? It was the pot calling the kettle black. Apparently the lesson was meant to target MY heart.
Lord, Help me. Give me the courage and strength to say like Paul, “for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Let my heart be satisfied in your love alone. May I stay in that place of contentment with You.
md
(originally written August 25, 2010)
daily portion 
Hey, I meant to tell you some things, and why not just leave them in the comment section of your blog?
1. I got to watch MacKenzie and Burl play together. It was SO CUTE. She talks to him (Most I’ve ever heard her talk), gives him his blankie, and puts his pacifier in his mouth.
2. Emily told me about all the Christmas decorations at the house. She seems to really love them.
3. Ellavene and I talked about how much MacKenzie looks like you. She really does.
4. Isaac put lego stuff together and it was so cute. He was PUMPED.
Oh Melody, I don’t now how many times I think I am teaching my kids a lesson when it is God really talking to me. Contentment has been a word buzzing around my head and my kids:-) lately. Love you.
and once again……. The Holy Spirit is using you to whisper this truth to me too. Contentment is a choice. I never thought of it that way before. Thank You.