Contement Doesn't Kill Desires

A reminder for me to enjoy where my feet are.

I always forget how quickly everything picks up in the Spring! I’ve been blessed to travel for vacation, weddings, and work, so I appreciate your flexibility as I manage to write a few posts when I get the chance to sit and reflect.

This past week, I was in Mississippi, and every time I visit, desires come to the surface. Desires to be closer to family, for a house with a yard, a washing machine, blaring music with my car windows down, even the smell of grass as it starts to rain or certain bushes in my grandmother’s garden. It happens every time, I tear up when I see lush greenery and open fields. I can’t help it.

This visit, the emotions felt stronger. I was coming back to celebrate the marriage of two dear college friends, which meant I’d have a huge reunion with some of my favorite people! It was more fun and sweet than I could have imagined, but more difficult to move on. I stayed an extra few days in the Tupelo office, so that helped. I didn’t have to say goodbye to old friends and old comforts of a southern spring on the same day.

My grandfather’s breakfast feast

It’s difficult, though, because by the end of my visit, I crave my life back in the city. I miss natural excercise, my local church, doing fun things with my friends, and going to see live music, shows, or movies at AMC theaters. I miss the energy and opportunity that can be found if you look for it.

I kept thinking, “There has to be a place that has both nature and city energy.” And if not, the temptation is to avoid going back to the south so I can’t remember what I’m missing, or move out of the city so I forget the wonders of it. But where does that leave me? Miserable and avoidant of two great things.

I saw a Substack note Will Parker Anderson wrote the other day, and it circled my thoughts all week.

“Contentment is less about killing your desires and more about savoring your surroundings.”

I’ll say it again.

“Contentment is less about killing your desires and more about savoring your surroundings.”

So good.

Thankfully, the sweet people around me reminded me that I’ve been given the opportunity to have the best of both worlds by keeping a foot in the south and the city.

I truly believe the Lord knew I would need to keep the connection to familiar roots through this job that He so apparently worked out for me. In His kindness, he’s orchestrated something better than I could have planned, a way for me to be refreshed to do what He’s called me to do in the city (still figuring that out). It’s hard sometimes, but good, and I’m truly grateful even when I forget.

The quote reminded me that I don’t have to cut out the desires for a backyard or a girls’ night out in Manhattan. They are both great desires, but they don’t have to create an overcast while I’m enjoying the opposing.

I get to enjoy the grass while my feet are bare, and the bustle of the city while the sirens blare.

Praise the Lord!

Thank you for reading! Talk to you soon,

Gracey