Have you ever wanted to skip your current season of life?

If I could only not have…

Sometimes I wish to skip parenting my teens.

My husband and I have three teens in high school and a younger son. Attitudes and disrespect try my patience and keep me on my knees, but I long for the next stage. 

I recently read “Present Tense” online written by fourteen-year-old Jason Lehman, and it beautifully describes wanting something else besides the present. (Only the last part of the poem)

“I was a child, but it was adulthood I wanted,

The freedom and respect.

I was 20, but it was 30 I wanted,

To be mature, and sophisticated.

I was middle-aged, but it was 20 I wanted,

The youth and the free spirit.

I was retired, but it was middle-age I wanted,

The presence of mind without limitations.

My life was over, and I never got what I wanted." 

What is the secret to contentment?

Adjusting my ATTITUDE versus my CIRCUMSTANCES.

I cannot always change my circumstances, but I can control my attitude. Having a positive attitude is a CHOICE and requires focusing on the good and not the bad. 

As Christians, Christ is our constant, and contentment comes from focusing on Him. No matter what season of life we are in, Christ walks with us.

We focus on Christ by spending time with Him by reading our Bibles, praying, and meditating on Scripture. We put off the negative thoughts and put on the positive thoughts (Philippians 4:8).

"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything THROUGH CHRIST, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13 NLT

Paul penned these words while in prison. He learned contentment by fixing his mind on Christ versus his circumstances. The same is true for us. 

As we cherish each season of life, may we adjust our attitudes and find contentment in Christ alone.