Part of my problem is lack of contentment. I am always looking for something more, rather than just being thankful for what I have.

My Life Coach told me the first time we met: Happiness is wanting what you already have.

It’s a cliche. A pat answer. I hate pat answers.

But somehow God used that to challenge me to contentment and thankfulness.

This last week I have had a major breakthrough.

My Life Coach asked me if I wanted to go through the Steps to Freedom in Christ. It seemed like we were just in the endless cycle that I couldn’t get out of. So, I said yes.

I’ve done the Steps before. I was actually on the worship team at the Freedom in Christ Conference here in Chiang Mai. But it didn’t seem to make a difference back then. It was formulaic and stifled. It just seemed to me to be yet another ‘quick fix’ formula that Christians latch on to because the daily acts of being a disciple are just too hard.

So, last week I started going through the steps. There was nothing spectacular about it. I just prayed the prayers, and went on with my life.

But there is a difference in my outlook.

Things that Sean and the kids do that would normally get me angry… I laugh it off.

I find it easier to do house work. I *actually see* what needs to be done. Smells and mess actually bother me a little now!! It’s like my Housewife Add-on has been replaced and is now fully functional.

And I have more strength, energy, and Joy! in my life than I have in a long time.

I know there is no quick fix. I know that I’m now responsible to continue to make the right choices everyday, so I can Grow where God Plants me – where ever that is.

But it is nice to wake up in the morning ready to do what is expected of me (and looking forward to it) rather than dreading the duties of my simple existence.

I’m not done yet. There’s more. There will always be more. Life is a DTS*. When you stop growing and learning, you die. I’m not ready for that yet.

*DTS: Discipleship Training School.