The world tells us that there is always something better right around the corner. The illusion that we need the next best thing- the upgrade, the luxury model, the big house, fancy car, exotic vacation, and the newest technology.
More is the key to contentment because that is where happiness is found.
BIG FAT LIE.
But a lie that so many of us happily swallow and ask for seconds.
Why?
Our chosen mindset.
Abundance or scarcity.
Truth time….
Do you see your life as filled and overflowing = abundance?
-OR-
Do you view your life and possessions as either not quite enough or you are afraid of losing everything and operate from a mindset of frugality= scarcity?
Would others describe you as generous or frugal?
The answers to the above may be difficult to admit, but if you are genuinely honest with yourself, this self-evaluation might be your ticket to freedom and contentment.
In thinking about these concepts, I can’t help but recall the classic fairytale Goldilocks and the Three Bears. If you aren’t familiar with this timeless bedtime story- it tells of a little girl named Goldilocks who goes for a walk in the forest and happens upon a house that she decides to break into and enter. Much to her delight, the house is empty and ripe for her rummaging. She takes her time examining the home and tastes three bowls of porridge and tests out the comfort of three chairs- breaking one of them. Eventually, she finds three beds and tries them out. The first bed is too hard, the next too soft but the third is just right, and she curls up to take a nap.
Meanwhile, the owners (the three bears- Papa, Mama and baby bear) come home to discover Goldilocks and the outcome of her explorations! One can say the story has a happy ending because Goldilocks safely gets away with no repercussions. The bears, however, are left feeling like violated victims!
Goldilocks embodies the idea of a scarcity mentality; as she is a person driven by the desire of wanting more, comparing, coveting and always in pursuit of perfection, believing that finding the "just right" will bring happiness. The personification of selfishness and a “needy” mentality.
However, we can turn this “just right” attitude into something positive when it is geared towards an abundance mentality.
Scripture tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:8:
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others.”
The "just right abundant" viewpoint is that God is your source of all good things. Accepting that He will provide ALL that you need and give you leftovers to share!
This mindset recognizes God has given everything we need- not too much and not too little. He knows what is best and will never leave us needing more.
Trusting in this viewpoint, you can be smart, wise, kind, generous, and never worry about not having enough. It's about trust, gratitude and acceptance.
Bottom line: God wants us to enjoy life- to live with an abundant mindset being thankful for what we have been given and knowing with confidence that it is “just right!”
Life is simply too precious and short to live like Goldilocks.
Father, we praise and thank you for your generous heart. All good things come from your hands, and we can have confident assurances that you give us exactly what we need without worrying over any lack. Set us free from the mentality of scarcity, so that we may live lives that demonstrate your love and generosity to others.
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. ~Proverbs 14:30