or more aptly titled: my struggle to follow Jesus

There are so many things in life I want. Most of them are selfish and materialistic in nature. I want an iPhone. I want a newer, bigger car. I want a newer, bigger house. I want a newer, nicer computer.

I have a difficult time being even remotely content. And I think there are levels of contentedness (I’m pretty sure that wasn’t a word until now). There’s “almost content” (I’m not really content, but I pretend to be so people won’t think I’m totally selfish), “content” (happy enough with what I’ve been blessed with), and “delightfully content.” This last one is the one we should all strive toward. This is the one that says, “My life isn’t perfect, but God has given me so much, and I recognize that. I am overwhelmed with joy at the amazing life God had given me.”

Don’t misunderstand me. I never want to be complacent, simply to be content with the life God has blessed me with.

I’m not really sure we can attain “delightfully content,” but it’s what we should strive for.

Which brings us to the reason for this post.

I was watching my wife and kids playing on the floor with toys as they laughed at our goofy little dog running circles around the room. And suddenly, like a sledgehammer, I was hit with the realization of (or simply remembered) what God has given me.

1. An amazing wife who more than cares for all of us. She cleans, does laundry, cares for our kids (with my minimal help), and has a full-time (except for the summer) teaching job. Don’t even get me started on the fact that she should probably have a cooking show on the Food Network (yes, she’s that good). She loves us all unconditionally and gives me more grace than I deserve.

2. A three year old daughter who, despite Down Syndrome (with absolutely no heart or hearing defects), teaches me something about love, patience, perseverance, and affection everyday. She is happy and loving, and every day, when I come home from work, is always excited at the moment I walk in the door. Sloppy, wet kisses and awkward hugs adorn me every afternoon. And I can’t get enough.

3. An eight month old son who is growing like a weed. He is getting so big and is healthy. He smiles and laughs and with little to no effort can light up a room.

And these three things, if they were all I possessed in life, should be enough. And though I forget it at times, they are.

All those things I “want” are far surpassed by my desire to see my wife and kids happy, growing, and successful. When I stop to think about it, nothing could ever trump that. But too often I don’t stop. I don’t recognize these amazing moments until it’s too late.

God, please grant me the wisdom, patience, and awareness to notice and enjoy these plentiful moments in my life. It never that they’re not happening; it’s just up to me to pay attention.