Have you ever made a mental list of just a few things you want that would make you happy? I hate to even tell on myself, but one day I had a few moments to spare. For some unknown reason I was noting mentally a few simple things I thought would bring me a bit of happiness. It went something like this:

1. cute string of beads that tie on (necklace)
   (for some unknown reason those always catch my eye at the store...they looks so girly and fun!)

2.  a foot warmer
   (I could slip my feet in as soon as I got up and mornings would be so much more bearable!)

3.  a big "comfy" pen
   (so when I wrote it didn't even feel like I had to hang on tight)

4.  a water pillow
   (so my pillow could stay cold all night)

The list started out pretty decent. I didn't think that any of those things were huge demands, just smaller ideas of things that would really bring a smile to my face. My thoughts continued:

5.  One day a week to write!
   (uninterrupted, that is)

6.  Sleeping in until 7:30 or 8:00 just once or twice a week

7.  Favorite foods without any work
   (stroganoff, cheesecake, French dip, etc)

My list continued with a little more expectation. This wasn't out of hand, just wishful thinking. And then my list went on...

8. A new wardrobe full of the latest fashions

9. A big, fancy home with...

I stopped myself. What had started as a short, little list of small things that would make me happy had turned large and lavish. How is it that my mindset had so quickly and easily landed here.  I was embarassed by the thought.

That is truly how our minds attempt to rationalize..."this is all it would take" or "if only..." But that is not really how we work. Once we attain one thing, we are just on to the next. In other words, our short list is really not a short list after all.

Just as qickly as my mind had wandered down the "wanting" path, a verse came to mind:

"Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am."  (Phil. 4:11-12 The Message).

Why is it so hard to remember that?  Why do our human hearts struggle to find contentment? We are surrounded with media or all kinds that feed into this. It takes a conscious choice to jump that path. I don't know if I will ever master this, or if I will just continue to get my gentle reminders from God. He has given me plenty and even with less, He would want that to be enough too.

Have you ever thought about what would really make you happy?  Do you  have a short-list of things that would bring you a bit of happiness? How do you keep yourself in check? These are some good things to ask yourself...and if you care to share your answers, I would love to hear!