Enjoying the Present

Yesterday a conversation with someone brought these thoughts to my mind: What motivates one to be successful? Why do we make the choices that we do? What is the difference between ambition and discontentment?

Webster's dictionary defines ambition as "an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as wealth or fame, and the willingness to strive for it." A definition of discontent is "a restless craving for what one does not have." A fine line between the two in my opinion. For the last day, I have been processing this over and over in my mind...are my actions motivated by ambition or discontentment? Eight years ago, I set out on a journey in the world of academia, which began by taking one accounting class just to further my knowledge to improve job skills. One semester wasn't enough so I registered for two more classes the next semester, and then I set my sights on getting an associate degree, but then I decided that, no, I wanted more than that...I was going for a bachelor's degree...and then a master's degree...all so that I could become a CPA. Now that I have almost reached that goal, I wonder...what goal will I be setting next? How quickly will I return to school for another degree or just to take classes for fun? Already I am wishing that I could have taken more literature classes in college. Also, I want to know more about music, and art, and history...it's as if I have this insatiable desire to be learning...but at what point, do I step back enjoy the present moment rather than looking for satisfaction in the future. Once I start my job, will I be happy in the everyday routine, being completely focused on my job for the sake of doing my job well, or will I be consumed with the desire for promotion and recognition? What is the difference between amibition and discontentment?

Unfortunately, days go by when I am so concerned about what I need to accomplish in the next weeks or months that I fail to consider the present minute or hour. One of my friends once told me to live in the present...when with someone, be totally in the moment with that person, focusing on the conversation and listening completely. When taking time to relax, relax and stop thinking about everything that needs to be done.

We miss so much by living our lives focused on the next event or milestone, taking the menial tasks and daily conversations for granted. Each moment is precious and should be enjoyed to the fullest. I want to be present in each moment, even when it is doing something as menial as washing the dishes or folding laundry or footing general ledger balances. Each task is a calling and is something to be treasured instead of wishing it away.

May we say as the Apostle Paul did: "For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." Phil. 4:11b ESV May our discontentment (i.e. restless craving) come from our sincere desire to know God more fully and have a better knowledge of His Word. And may our ambition be motivated completely by "forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead...press[ing] on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:13b-14

Be present. Be content. Be here, right now.