Contentment

"Yet true happiness comes from a sense of peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion, and elimination of ignorance, selfishness, and greed" (Dalai Lama)

What’s better than being happy? Being content. Today I feel very content and as I analyze those feelings, I understand that gratitude is an integral part of the equation.

So, I am grateful for. . .

*A roof over my head. (a very nice roof, I might add). There are a lot of families who do not have a place to call home.
*Mark's job, because it gives us the opportunity to be independent and live comfortably.

*Being able to eat what I want when I want, while others starve.
*Good health. I have learned to be grateful for health during the times when I didn't have it.

*Enjoying my childhood. I had a lovely, protected, sweet childhood.

*My wonderful dad. He took care of us all and gave us comfortable lives.
*My loving and dedicated mom . She has taught me many lessons, and I wish I had learned to listen to her sooner.

*My sister. I love her with all my heart and I wouldn’t trade her for anything.
*My children, in-laws and grandkiddoes. Each one of them is a blessing that I will forever cherish and never be worthy of -- but for which I will always be grateful.
*Having someone to love who loves me back. Mark and I have made it through thick or thin, come rain or shine. It's nearly our 33rd wedding anniversary and for this, too, I am grateful!

*A Heavenly Father who knows me and loves me though I know that oftentimes I disappoint Him. He and His son are my strength and my peace.

I have so much and I am trying to learn to value what I have, to love without needing anything in return.

This to me is contentment.