“A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. I just blooms.”

Contentment.

What does that look like for you?

For me, it’s about enjoying where I’m at and recognizing what I have. Unfortunately, I often let the evil, green monster come and fill me full with jealousy. I can get so wrapped up in my jealousy of others – of their new houses, their stylish clothes, their fancy trips, their perfect parenting, their etc. etc. etc.

It’s overwhelming how jealous I get sometimes. 

 What’s sad is that when I look around and start comparing myself to others, my own beautiful life starts wilting…. actually, it doesn’t just wilt – it rots.

James 3:16 says, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”

Whoah… is that true or what? Even all the good things in my life start to become disorderly and vile when I disregard what I have and let greed and envy consume me. Instead of basking in the blessings God has provided me, I zone in on what He has chosen to give others instead. BUT when I can take my eyes of others, and place my sights heavenward, I find that my heart is beyond full – I have peace, joy, and I am incredibly and completely content.

You know what contentment feels like to me? It’s like sitting under a massive tree, under a bright blue sky, feeling the soft wind graze my skin and the warmth of the sun on my face. It’s God breathing over me – “I am all you need. I will provide for you. I love you. I know the desires of your heart BUT I also know what will bring you true and unspeakable happiness. Trust me. Follow me.” When I bask in those moments, I stop looking around and comparing myself to everyone else and I start to become the woman that God has designed me to be. My attitude becomes grateful and my life begins to bloom.

My prayer for all of us is to have a  tranquil heart  that gives life to flesh, rather than envy which makes bones rot (Proverbs 14:30). Instead of  looking around at all the other pretty flowers this week, I hope that you find yourself blooming.