As women, a seed of discontentment can grow like a weed inside of our souls, choking what joy we have left. We see something that looks much more pleasing than what we already have and think to ourselves "now, that would make me happy!"
This has happened since the beginning of the world, let's take a quick look at the mother of every living thing-Eve.
"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate." Genesis 3:6
Eve was able to eat from every tree in the garden, but one and in the end, she had to have the ONE she wasn't supposed to. She saw that the tree had delicious looking fruit and after her conversation with Satan came to the conclusion that the grass must be greener on the other side. Of course, being like God must be better than being a human.
As moms, we must be aware; this unhappiness does not only affect our hearts but the hearts of our children as well. Satan knows this; he knows that as women we are easily discontent with our lives and that our children will be affected as well. Our children often gage their feelings from the way that we, their mothers, are feeling and acting. If we are unhappy and always searching for something more than God to make us happy, our children will never be content with Him or things He has provided either.
"And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
How can we learn as moms to be content with what God has blessed us with? Of course, we should pray that God will help us see all the ways He has provided and to help us have a thankful heart.
Another essential thing to do is to remember that we need to focus on what God HAS blessed us with and not focus on what we don't have. No one has the perfect kids, perfect husband, or perfect life, but what we do have is a perfect God. Rejoice in God and what He is doing in your life and the lives of your children. God wants us to be joyful and show our kids how to live a joyful life too!
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
No matter your circumstances, see the good. There is always something to be thankful for and when we can focus on the good so can our kids. Thank Him for all the good that He has given you!
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.[a]
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:3-4
You see, when we live with an attitude of gratitude, we show our children that we trust God and we are thankful for what He has provided. When moms show their kids that God is enough, it squashes the seeds of discontentment in our hearts and that of our children.