I’ve always prided myself as being an appreciative person. The type of person who appreciates the breath in my lungs and “makes the most of each day.” Frustratingly, over the last few weeks, the word “contentment” has been repeated over and over in my mind. To the point where I’m like, “Okay, God. I hear you. But I AM content. What do you want from me?”
But, if I’m honest, I could say
I’m probably anything but content.
Grateful-100%. Content-more like 25%.
A few months back, I was in a low place. I found myself regretting the decision to move from Hawaii to Nebraska and longing for the happy, simple island life I raised my little kids in for 7 years.
I was asking myself questions like, “what adventure would we be on if we were still there? Hiking Lulumahu Falls, Snorkeling Sharks Cove or spending the day at the Children’s Museum?”
Instead, here I am working every day and living for the weekend which is so full of sporting events and little time left over to relax let alone have an adventurous life. (insert pity party here). I found myself putting my Hawaii coffee mug in storage because it just hurt to much to remember it all.
I actually felt very DISCONTENT.
I was longing for more. More of what I had when I was “happy.” I mean, sure I was grateful to be near my family again. Grateful for the little moments we got to spend with them. Extremely grateful to have the bleachers full at my “Little” Mans football games and Ladybugs school play. But once the excitement faded and the events were over, I found myself back home—alone with my thoughts. That can be a dangerous place at times, especially when I let the enemy’s lies drown out the truth of God’s Word.
I realized I’d been letting negative thoughts pull me down instead of focusing on the good. By holding onto the past, I wasn’t giving myself the chance to fully live in the present. By clinging to what I had, I forgot to live where I am.
I needed to get out and look for an adventure here. I dusted off my “All Trails” hiking app, did a search for trails near me and decided to embrace the adventure…even if it’s different.
I set out for a short hike at Mahoney State Park with Zoey, my little Yorkie, by my side. To my surprise, the trailhead was next to some horse stables. I wasn’t sure if visitors were allowed there, but I decided to trust my adventurous side and check them out anyway.
There were several horses lined up along the fence preparing for a trail ride (which I quickly added to my Nebraska bucket list!) I chose one and slowly approached it. As I looked into its eyes, I couldn’t help but think…okay, this is why I needed to get out of the house today. THIS is why I need to LOOK FOR THE ADVENTURE. A sense of peace came over me that I hadn’t felt in so long. Suddenly, all of my senses were alive. I felt the sunshine on my face, I smelled the fresh hay the horses were being fed and I felt…CONTENT right where I was in that moment! I wasn’t thinking about work. I wasn’t thinking about basketball practice after school. I wasn’t even thinking about Hawaii. I let myself FEEL the JOY in the MOMENT.
It was then that I realized…adventure is what we make it.
I’ve found adventure by clinging to ridge lines and swimming with sea turtles. But, I’ve also discovered it here—in the quiet, peaceful stillness of Nebraska. God is teaching me that contentment isn’t found in the adventure of distant places, but in a grateful heart.
That day at the horse stables reminded me of 1 Timothy 6:6–8, which says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” I didn’t need mountains or oceans to feel alive—just a quiet Nebraska morning, the soft nudge of a horse, and the whisper of God’s presence. True adventure isn’t always found in distant places; sometimes it’s discovered right where you are, when your heart chooses gratitude over longing and contentment over comparison.
Gratitude turns ordinary moments into enough—and that’s where contentment begins. From now on, I’m choosing to be content right where He has me, finding adventure and beauty in Nebraska—one small step at a time.
Do you also struggle with discontentment? What’s something you can do today to help you find contentment right where you are today?
With love and aloha,
Lacy
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Happy to hear that you had a successful inter-species communication. Horses are a challenge for me. I like them but they just aren’t resonant with me. Best wishes to your clan.
Thank you! It was such a peaceful moment. Just allowing myself to slow down and take it all in was something my busy body needed!