Why is it that humans are always looking for something beyond what they have? Kids can't wait til school is out for the summer, then they can't wait to start again in the fall to see their friends again (because they were bored after 3 days of summer vacation). Seniors can't wait to graduate. Grown-ups can't wait for Friday afternoon. Why do we spend so much time looking forward to whatever is next? Why don't we just enjoy what's happening right now, at this very moment? We would be happier and more content if we could just stop and enjoy the present, and not worry about what's next as if it's going to better than where we are at the moment. Now, it's not bad to look forward to vacations, or a big game, or a party. But discontent grows in us when we are just feeling like we're muddling through the present, putting all our hopes into something that we think will make us happy.

In Psalm 34 David says, "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." I love the word continually. It doesn't say that His praise will be in my mouth when things are happy....it says continually. That means when I'm happy, bored, stressed, content, discontent....continually. That's hard!! But isn't it a great idea!

Tim and I have adopted Hosea 10:12 as our verse for 2011. It says "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground (that's my favorite part), for it is time to seek the Lord, til He comes and rains righteousness on you." Wouldn't we all like Him to rain some righteousness down on us? He does. Every day. Spend time with Him and let Him rain on you through His word and through prayer.