The Choice Is Always Yours
Finding Contentment in a World That Always Wants More
Last week, the kids and I ventured out to our local Butterfly Museum.
We eagerly anticipated soft, feather-like creatures floating by, landing gently on our shoulders, and posing sweetly for photos.
What we didn’t anticipate was how overwhelming that experience might feel.
When “What We Want” Becomes Too Much
Halle—my then two-year-old—ran excitedly through the doors and down the concrete steps of the Butterfly Museum without a care in the world.
Until I shouted, “Halle, look up!”
The living, fluttering ceiling caught her completely off guard. She ducked, screamed, and ran for cover.
Which led to her next problem.
There is no cover in a Butterfly Museum.
Only trees covered in butterflies. Rocks covered in butterflies. Platforms layered with even more butterflies.
Not exactly a happy situation for a toddler trying to escape butterflies.
The scene was almost comical. She thought she wanted to be surrounded by butterflies—until her wish came true and fear replaced excitement.
When Abundance Turns Into Burden
Then there was my thirteen-year-old, dressed in bright red.
We had missed the memo that butterflies flock to red like gentle bulls charging an open gate. She spent the afternoon swatting her back, asking repeatedly, “Is that my tag—or a butterfly? Check again!”
She learned quickly that a few butterflies are delightful… but thousands can become overwhelming.
The Danger of “More Is Better” Thinking
My husband and I often joke that if a little is good, then a whole lot must be even better.
That mindset has gotten us into trouble more times than we care to admit.
And if we’re honest, it’s gotten most of us into trouble.
I’m reminded of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—the little boy who reasoned that if a little chocolate was good, then eating a lot must be even better.
That’s human nature.
How Greed Steals Joy
Greed quietly robs us of peace, joy, and contentment.
Contentment, on the other hand, is a choice—and it’s one that frees the soul to live a full and joyful life regardless of circumstances.
The Apostle Paul practiced contentment while imprisoned—cold, hungry, and uncomfortable—yet at peace (Philippians 4:11).
John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim’s Progress while confined to a filthy prison cell, unfit even for animals. Instead of focusing on what he lacked, he rested in what he had—life, pen, and paper—and gave the world one of the most impactful books ever written.
When Discontentment Spoils Families
Discontentment feeds greed, and greed steals joy—not just from individuals, but from families.
If we have food and shelter, we truly have all we need.
Take a moment to consider the extras God has already provided:
- 24 pairs of shoes
- Closets full of clothes
- Drawers overflowing with jewelry
- A refrigerator stocked with food
- One car… or three
- More kitchen tools than cabinet space
- More dishes than we could use in a week
- More décor than we can dust in an hour
When “Just Enough” Is the Greatest Blessing
Abundance itself isn’t bad—until it becomes a burden.
Too much laundry. Too much dusting. Too much managing.
Scripture reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
If your possessions feel heavy, consider blessing your neighbors. We can’t take wood, hay, and stubble with us when we leave this earth—so why spend so much time worrying about it?
Stuff requires money, time, maintenance, storage, insurance, and mental energy.
Ask yourself this:
Would you rather dust your stuff—or fly to Italy?
Choosing Freedom Over Stuff
Bigger and more do not automatically mean better.
So often we chase what we think we want, only to realize too late that we lost what truly mattered along the way.
If you’re in debt, stretched thin, and burdened by belongings, consider shedding some wood, hay, and stubble.
Trim material responsibilities. Save the money that’s freed up. Bless your family with time. Bless others with your abundance.
Rest in Contentment
The choice is always yours.
Shed some stuff.
Rest in contentment.
And find joy in the process.
The Choice Is Always Yours
Finding Contentment in a World That Always Wants More
by Terri Bonin
Last week, the kids and I ventured out to our local Butterfly Museum.
We eagerly anticipated soft, feather-like creatures floating by, landing gently on our shoulders, and posing sweetly for photos.
What we didn’t anticipate was how overwhelming that experience might feel.
When “What We Want” Becomes Too Much
Halle—my then two-year-old—ran excitedly through the doors and down the concrete steps of the Butterfly Museum without a care in the world.
Until I shouted, “Halle, look up!”
The living, fluttering ceiling caught her completely off guard. She ducked, screamed, and ran for cover.
Which led to her next problem.
There is no cover in a Butterfly Museum.
Only trees covered in butterflies. Rocks covered in butterflies. Platforms layered with even more butterflies.
Not exactly a happy situation for a toddler trying to escape butterflies.
The scene was almost comical. She thought she wanted to be surrounded by butterflies—until her wish came true and fear replaced excitement.
When Abundance Turns Into Burden
Then there was my thirteen-year-old, dressed in bright red.
We had missed the memo that butterflies flock to red like gentle bulls charging an open gate. She spent the afternoon swatting her back, asking repeatedly, “Is that my tag—or a butterfly? Check again!”
She learned quickly that a few butterflies are delightful… but thousands can become overwhelming.
The Danger of “More Is Better” Thinking
My husband and I often joke that if a little is good, then a whole lot must be even better.
That mindset has gotten us into trouble more times than we care to admit.
And if we’re honest, it’s gotten most of us into trouble.
I’m reminded of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—the little boy who reasoned that if a little chocolate was good, then eating a lot must be even better.
That’s human nature.
How Greed Steals Joy
Greed quietly robs us of peace, joy, and contentment.
Contentment, on the other hand, is a choice—and it’s one that frees the soul to live a full and joyful life regardless of circumstances.
The Apostle Paul practiced contentment while imprisoned—cold, hungry, and uncomfortable—yet at peace (Philippians 4:11).
John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim’s Progress while confined to a filthy prison cell, unfit even for animals. Instead of focusing on what he lacked, he rested in what he had—life, pen, and paper—and gave the world one of the most impactful books ever written.
When Discontentment Spoils Families
Discontentment feeds greed, and greed steals joy—not just from individuals, but from families.
If we have food and shelter, we truly have all we need.
Take a moment to consider the extras God has already provided:
- 24 pairs of shoes
- Closets full of clothes
- Drawers overflowing with jewelry
- A refrigerator stocked with food
- One car… or three
- More kitchen tools than cabinet space
- More dishes than we could use in a week
- More décor than we can dust in an hour
When “Just Enough” Is the Greatest Blessing
Abundance itself isn’t bad—until it becomes a burden.
Too much laundry. Too much dusting. Too much managing.
Scripture reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
If your possessions feel heavy, consider blessing your neighbors. We can’t take wood, hay, and stubble with us when we leave this earth—so why spend so much time worrying about it?
Stuff requires money, time, maintenance, storage, insurance, and mental energy.
Ask yourself this:
Would you rather dust your stuff—or fly to Italy?
Choosing Freedom Over Stuff
Bigger and more do not automatically mean better.
So often we chase what we think we want, only to realize too late that we lost what truly mattered along the way.
If you’re in debt, stretched thin, and burdened by belongings, consider shedding some wood, hay, and stubble.
Trim material responsibilities. Save the money that’s freed up. Bless your family with time. Bless others with your abundance.
Rest in Contentment
The choice is always yours.
Shed some stuff.
Rest in contentment.
And find joy in the process.
The Choice Is Always Yours
Finding Contentment in a World That Always Wants More
by Terri Bonin
Last week, the kids and I ventured out to our local Butterfly Museum.
We eagerly anticipated soft, feather-like creatures floating by, landing gently on our shoulders, and posing sweetly for photos.
What we didn’t anticipate was how overwhelming that experience might feel.
When “What We Want” Becomes Too Much
Halle—my then two-year-old—ran excitedly through the doors and down the concrete steps of the Butterfly Museum without a care in the world.
Until I shouted, “Halle, look up!”
The living, fluttering ceiling caught her completely off guard. She ducked, screamed, and ran for cover.
Which led to her next problem.
There is no cover in a Butterfly Museum.
Only trees covered in butterflies. Rocks covered in butterflies. Platforms layered with even more butterflies.
Not exactly a happy situation for a toddler trying to escape butterflies.
The scene was almost comical. She thought she wanted to be surrounded by butterflies—until her wish came true and fear replaced excitement.
When Abundance Turns Into Burden
Then there was my thirteen-year-old, dressed in bright red.
We had missed the memo that butterflies flock to red like gentle bulls charging an open gate. She spent the afternoon swatting her back, asking repeatedly, “Is that my tag—or a butterfly? Check again!”
She learned quickly that a few butterflies are delightful… but thousands can become overwhelming.
The Danger of “More Is Better” Thinking
My husband and I often joke that if a little is good, then a whole lot must be even better.
That mindset has gotten us into trouble more times than we care to admit.
And if we’re honest, it’s gotten most of us into trouble.
I’m reminded of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—the little boy who reasoned that if a little chocolate was good, then eating a lot must be even better.
That’s human nature.
How Greed Steals Joy
Greed quietly robs us of peace, joy, and contentment.
Contentment, on the other hand, is a choice—and it’s one that frees the soul to live a full and joyful life regardless of circumstances.
The Apostle Paul practiced contentment while imprisoned—cold, hungry, and uncomfortable—yet at peace (Philippians 4:11).
John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim’s Progress while confined to a filthy prison cell, unfit even for animals. Instead of focusing on what he lacked, he rested in what he had—life, pen, and paper—and gave the world one of the most impactful books ever written.
When Discontentment Spoils Families
Discontentment feeds greed, and greed steals joy—not just from individuals, but from families.
If we have food and shelter, we truly have all we need.
Take a moment to consider the extras God has already provided:
- 24 pairs of shoes
- Closets full of clothes
- Drawers overflowing with jewelry
- A refrigerator stocked with food
- One car… or three
- More kitchen tools than cabinet space
- More dishes than we could use in a week
- More décor than we can dust in an hour
When “Just Enough” Is the Greatest Blessing
Abundance itself isn’t bad—until it becomes a burden.
Too much laundry. Too much dusting. Too much managing.
Scripture reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
If your possessions feel heavy, consider blessing your neighbors. We can’t take wood, hay, and stubble with us when we leave this earth—so why spend so much time worrying about it?
Stuff requires money, time, maintenance, storage, insurance, and mental energy.
Ask yourself this:
Would you rather dust your stuff—or fly to Italy?
Choosing Freedom Over Stuff
Bigger and more do not automatically mean better.
So often we chase what we think we want, only to realize too late that we lost what truly mattered along the way.
If you’re in debt, stretched thin, and burdened by belongings, consider shedding some wood, hay, and stubble.
Trim material responsibilities. Save the money that’s freed up. Bless your family with time. Bless others with your abundance.
Rest in Contentment
The choice is always yours.
Shed some stuff.
Rest in contentment.
And find joy in the process.
The Choice Is Always Yours
Finding Contentment in a World That Always Wants More
by Terri Bonin
Last week, the kids and I ventured out to our local Butterfly Museum.
We eagerly anticipated soft, feather-like creatures floating by, landing gently on our shoulders, and posing sweetly for photos.
What we didn’t anticipate was how overwhelming that experience might feel.
When “What We Want” Becomes Too Much
Halle—my then two-year-old—ran excitedly through the doors and down the concrete steps of the Butterfly Museum without a care in the world.
Until I shouted, “Halle, look up!”
The living, fluttering ceiling caught her completely off guard. She ducked, screamed, and ran for cover.
Which led to her next problem.
There is no cover in a Butterfly Museum.
Only trees covered in butterflies. Rocks covered in butterflies. Platforms layered with even more butterflies.
Not exactly a happy situation for a toddler trying to escape butterflies.
The scene was almost comical. She thought she wanted to be surrounded by butterflies—until her wish came true and fear replaced excitement.
When Abundance Turns Into Burden
Then there was my thirteen-year-old, dressed in bright red.
We had missed the memo that butterflies flock to red like gentle bulls charging an open gate. She spent the afternoon swatting her back, asking repeatedly, “Is that my tag—or a butterfly? Check again!”
She learned quickly that a few butterflies are delightful… but thousands can become overwhelming.
The Danger of “More Is Better” Thinking
My husband and I often joke that if a little is good, then a whole lot must be even better.
That mindset has gotten us into trouble more times than we care to admit.
And if we’re honest, it’s gotten most of us into trouble.
I’m reminded of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—the little boy who reasoned that if a little chocolate was good, then eating a lot must be even better.
That’s human nature.
How Greed Steals Joy
Greed quietly robs us of peace, joy, and contentment.
Contentment, on the other hand, is a choice—and it’s one that frees the soul to live a full and joyful life regardless of circumstances.
The Apostle Paul practiced contentment while imprisoned—cold, hungry, and uncomfortable—yet at peace (Philippians 4:11).
John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim’s Progress while confined to a filthy prison cell, unfit even for animals. Instead of focusing on what he lacked, he rested in what he had—life, pen, and paper—and gave the world one of the most impactful books ever written.
When Discontentment Spoils Families
Discontentment feeds greed, and greed steals joy—not just from individuals, but from families.
If we have food and shelter, we truly have all we need.
Take a moment to consider the extras God has already provided:
- 24 pairs of shoes
- Closets full of clothes
- Drawers overflowing with jewelry
- A refrigerator stocked with food
- One car… or three
- More kitchen tools than cabinet space
- More dishes than we could use in a week
- More décor than we can dust in an hour
When “Just Enough” Is the Greatest Blessing
Abundance itself isn’t bad—until it becomes a burden.
Too much laundry. Too much dusting. Too much managing.
Scripture reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
If your possessions feel heavy, consider blessing your neighbors. We can’t take wood, hay, and stubble with us when we leave this earth—so why spend so much time worrying about it?
Stuff requires money, time, maintenance, storage, insurance, and mental energy.
Ask yourself this:
Would you rather dust your stuff—or fly to Italy?
Choosing Freedom Over Stuff
Bigger and more do not automatically mean better.
So often we chase what we think we want, only to realize too late that we lost what truly mattered along the way.
If you’re in debt, stretched thin, and burdened by belongings, consider shedding some wood, hay, and stubble.
Trim material responsibilities. Save the money that’s freed up. Bless your family with time. Bless others with your abundance.
Rest in Contentment
The choice is always yours.
Shed some stuff.
Rest in contentment.
And find joy in the process.
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