The word discontent has been rattling around in my brain recently. I am not sure why but I try very hard to pay attention when anything is rattling around in my brain!
Dictionary.com defines discontent as not content; dissatisfied; a restless desire or craving for something one does not have. At first glance, the word discontent would appear to have a negative connotation but upon further reflection and review, I might say it can have a positive connotation as well.
I can become very discontent if I receive a catalog, sit down to look at the catalog, turn down the pages of what I love and then realize I can’t order any of it due to budget constraints.
I can become very discontent if I walk into a friend’s house and see everything in pristine condition and order
I can become very discontent if I exercise and eat “right”, for a couple of days and the scales do not seem to reflect all my “hard” work!
I can become very discontent if I watch the news, day in and day out and see the sad stories of corruption, death and economic despair.
However, I do believe that discontentment can be a positive force in our lives, if we so choose.
I can become discontent about my business, which can lead me to look for ways to see how I can improve.
I can become discontent about my spiritual life not growing, which causes me to seek ways to go deeper.
I can become discontent about my marriage, which motivates me to examine what part I play in trying to make it better.
I can become discontent about just about anything, but I can choose to do what I can to adjust my circumstances but more importantly my attitude.
Discontentment can breed more discontentment, however, you can choose for it to breed contentment and gratitude. Guess whose choice it is?