Golden Hours: Hour of Contentment

Written by: Jen Edwards

Summertime brings warm air and memories of freedom. 

Like when my friend and I, sunroof open, drove while singing along to the newest summer song; our only concern was whether we had our payphone quarter and tanning oil. Our plan–or lack thereof–was to follow the palm trees hoping they would lead us to the shore, and stay until the sun hit the water, the best time to use our disposable camera. 

Now, twenty-nine years later, an unplanned summer day seems out of reach. The warm air can be overwhelming, and sunscreen and dermatologist appointments have become a necessity.

Summers don’t feel the same anymore. 

Today, they come with shifting work schedules to accommodate children at home. The new routine includes rushing to sign up for the best camps before they fill up, and shuttling kids to activities because they can’t just be on screens all summer. Mission trips, VBS, vacations, and trying to make everything a moment to remember. And as soon as that is accomplished, you realize it’s time to stock up on number two pencils and Clorox wipes all over again!

I saw a quote: “What a joy to be overwhelmed by what we prayed for.” I understand the sentiment, but I’d rather say, “What a feeling to enjoy what we prayed for.” 

How do we get there? How do we find a peaceful moment as the sun sets, remembering fondly the simpler times, while accepting and embracing the less-simple times God has now entrusted to us? How do we pause in those in-between hours when it’s not quite day and not quite night and our children’s laughter, the smell of the grill, and fresh-cut grass remind us of answered prayers?

Can we trade overwhelm for joy this summer?

The answer to these questions may lie in contentment. Or, another word for it that’s a bit easier on the ears, satisfaction. 

What if you slowed these summer hours just long enough to be satisfied? Satisfied with where you are, who you are, who you are with, the resources you have, and the assignment you have been given.

Ask yourself:

• Am I content with where I am?

This location can be physical, but it can also be positional, such as a work or life situation. Recognize that this can’t change in one summer, so consider how you can plant yourself even if the area is not ideal. Flourish where you are currently located.

Then ask, how can I be satisfied here?

• Am I content with who I am?

This usually makes us think about physical traits, but dig deeper: consider your personality, story, and experiences. Think about if you’ve been too hard on yourself, forgetting how unique you are.  Consider that God really did make you purposefully.

Then ask, how can I be satisfied with myself?

• Am I content with who I share life with?

Examine your friendships, marriage, mentorship, or extended relationships. These are beautiful, life-giving, and worth setting time aside this summer to cultivate or prioritize the relationships you have.

Then ask, how can I be satisfied in the relationships I have?

• Am I content with my resources?

I do not just mean financial; however, if finances are tough, don’t use this summer to go further in the red. Summer can bring a resource of time, and that is a resource you can share. Think about how you can stretch the resources you have this summer so that fall is well set up, and you can be intentional with the other-than-money resources you do have to bless those around you.

Then ask, how can I satisfy other needs with the resources I have?

• Am I content with the assignment I have?

Being content with our assignment is often the hardest. Earlier in life, the assignment was clear: take care of myself. As the years pass, that assignment changes and grows. Despite these evolving responsibilities, I can be content with whatever assignment I am given. Remind yourself that God has you right where he wants you, and you might be there this summer to guide others to God.

Then ask, how can I be satisfied doing what I am called to do right now?

As women of God, we already strive to be like him, and the secret might just be adding contentment.

1 Timothy 6:6, says “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (NIV). What if your gain is on the other side of your gratitude? This summer, you have a perfect opportunity to see.

Philippians 4:11 says, “… for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (NIV). We can’t go back to days of nothing but freedom and tanning oil; now we have sunspots. Still, we can reclaim that feeling of freedom by allowing ourselves to be content in the present. 

Maybe this summer, we can breathe easy during those golden hours and appreciate things just as they are.

Dear God,

With my feet planted here, I am thankful for where I am. You have brought me here, and I will plant roots and thrive.

I thank you for who I am. I am made by you and loved by you. I will honor how you made me and use this one body to bring you glory.

I thank you for my friends, family, and community. These are the people in my path, and I will pursue deep relationships this summer.

Thank you, Lord, for the space I have and the material things you have given me. I know you provide what we need, and I will be content with all I have.

You have given me an assignment, and I will fulfill it.

I will be content, satisfied, this summer, and I will rejoice in all I have.

Thank you.

It is in your holy name I pray,

Amen.