“What’s Next?” — Learning to Be Content Right Where You Are

At some point, most of us have felt that we aren't where we want to be, especially regarding our achievements. This can relate to our career or body goals. Such feelings of dissatisfaction are often associated with middle-aged individuals, hence the term "mid-life crisis." However, in our fast-paced, technology-driven society, these feelings are increasingly common across different age groups. It seems we are conditioned to constantly desire more in every aspect of our lives, leading to a perpetual state of discontentment, which I would argue is spiritually unhealthy.

I've personally struggled with feelings of discontentment even while achieving and acquiring things I've always wanted. I would experience the brief high of acheiving something and almost immediately think, "what's next?" or "what now?"; It's as if I could not fully enjoy what I already had and immediately sought after the next thing.

I've been concerned with constantly pondering these questions because they often highlight and glorify a destination while neglecting the appreciation for the journey, which is happening here and now. To be clear, there's nothing wrong with having intentions and taking steps toward a goal. The problem arises when we cling to and place our hope in the next milestone (such as a career, promotion, marriage, degrees, children, ministries, etc.). What if this destination or milestone doesn't materialize? Are we open to change? Will this undermine our contentment with what we currently have? The Bible tells us in Luke 12:25 that we cannot add an hour to our lives, so why worry about the rest? God even cautions us against making plans without acknowledging His sovereignty. In James 4, we are advised to say: “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” By adopting this mindset, I've let go of the need for perfect outcomes and allow myself to appreciate how far I've come and be grateful for the ability to adapt when things don't go as planned.

-Luce