Settling down doesn't mean becoming complacent
"But when they came to Haran, they settled there."
- Genesis 11:31 (NIV)
When the month of November rolls around, my thoughts drift to the pioneers, Pilgrims, Thanksgiving dinner and settling.
The pioneers sailed across the vast Atlantic Ocean to establish a new life. When they found the perfect spot, where they could plant and reap, and a few friends that helped them cultivate the land, they settled there. They became known as the original settlers in this country.
Settling can oftentimes be a bit confusing. We can settle for, as in settling for less, or we can settle down. In our strive for the best, settling can sound like a negative motive. But sometimes settling down for a lifestyle or a life commitment can actually help bring something more than we settled for.
It can bring contentment and enrich us by helping us enjoy where we are, on the way to achieve our goals and plans. We can enjoy the moment - the people, places and things in our lives.
I think it is wise to look at our life to ensure we're not holding back from the best by settling. Sometimes settling can be a pit-stop to rest and bloom from. In the Bible, God's servant Abraham settled for a time in Haran with his father. When the time was right, he moved on and settled to a better place where God led him.
The American pioneers accomplished great things as they settled. We wouldn't have our blessed country with the opportunities it offers if they hadn't become settlers. So maybe we can find our way to feel prosperous as we settle down for a while.
When we are highly motivated individuals, or feel discontent and dissatisfied with our lives, how do we settle down and still find enjoyment in life? One way is to start with gratitude.
Mental health experts tell us to list three things a day we are grateful for and it can change our outlook. Also, connecting with family and friends, especially the ones who nurture you and you enjoy being with, can increase your self-esteem and well-being.
And finding ways to give keeps us from the misery of being self-centered and self focused, and helps us grow spiritually.
I find it interesting to see the three things the Pilgrim settlers did at Thanksgiving dinner was connect with their friends, connect with their family, and give thanks to God for showing them where to settle.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.