finding contentment.

I used to wonder why I had a hard time being content. Or at least trying to find contentment in my life.

And then I got to thinking.

I think that in this society of hardworking, driven people striving to achieve the American Dream, we (or at least I) often find ourselves getting lost in trying to reach something that we forget about the present.

I admit, I struggle with finding balance between these two things.

I strive so hard to be a good student, hoping that this will help me become a teacher. Which will hopefully help me achieve my dream of being completely independent.

And while none of these things are bad (I can hear you + your independence speeches, Dad), they're also not so great when that's all I focus on.

Because when it all comes down to it, I want to remember the little things. I want to remember all those weekend family hikes. I want to remember staying up late studying for finals, and remember just how much brighter my days got when classes were unexpectedly cancelled.

I want to remember that it's okay to be content. To realize that there are enough clothes in your closet, enough money in your bank account, enough readers on your blog.

That last one is hard, amiright?

Here are some of my favorite verses I've found that have to do with contentment. If you're curious how I found them all, I used this Bible search engine resource (and I highly recommend it, too!).

"If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment" Job 36:11 (NIV)

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV)

"But godliness with contentment is great gain " 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)

"But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" 1 Timothy 6:8 (NIV)

" Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'" Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

Those last two verses are my favorite. Hard to remember + live out, but definitely good to have as a reminder.

I'm thinking I need the Hebrews verse in my closet. Like immediately. 

What are your favorite Bible verses? I'd love to know!