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“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.”
Philippians 4:10-14 – The Message

It has been two years since my husband’s home-going, and I am now approaching the one year anniversary of my move back to the place I now call “home” after being gone over forty years. After much prayer and consultation with family and friends, God opened many doors. He gave me a real “peace” about coming back to my “roots”.

Being in a small community, I am often asked, “How are you? Do you enjoy being back home?”

My response has been, “It’s a real adjustment, and I am happy to be back.”

But – down deep inside, my heart wants to say no to all of their questions!

I know I am in the place God wants me to be for this season of my life. Do I still struggle with the change widowhood has brought to me? Yes! I miss being a wife to the man I loved for so many years. We shared O’Charley’s Bruschetta Chicken for lunch, shopped at Chico’s to pick out my clothes. Our small group fellowship on Sunday evenings was such a blessing. We called on our customers together, enjoying “our” home and all the “stuff” we collected over so many years. I miss falling asleep in my recliner while watching television together, and much more! His voice, his touch, and being near him– I just miss my husband!!

Please understand, we did not have a “perfect” marriage and experienced many struggles in the forty-eight years we were married. But God allowed us to draw on His strength “together” to face the struggles, experiencing the good times that came into our lives.

Philippians 4:10-14 has been a great example to me of how I can be content or satisfied no matter what the situation is, and it’s because of Him. I love the way the Message relays the words of the apostle Paul: “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.”

I may not like being a widow and the changes I am facing. But because this is God’s plan for me, I am willing to accept these changes. I keep the memories of the many years He allowed me to share with my husband and know that He is there to help me get through this unwanted journey!!

My “new” answer to those who inquire about my move and how I am is, “It’s a real adjustment, but I am content!”

Dear Lord, help me to be content in You no matter what circumstance I am in, even this journey of widowhood. Thank You for being there, giving me the strength I need to get through this and anything else You allow to come my way. Amen