When a Little Feels Like Enough

Finding Contentment and Learning to Give What You Have

The Quiet Struggle With Contentment

Every year as the holidays approach, I feel a familiar tug in my heart—one that whispers, “You need more.”

If you came to my house, you'd find a small, cozy 1400-square-foot ranch in suburbia. We have only one bathroom and an IKEA-sized kitchen. We’ve worked hard to fix it up, and little by little it has become something we’re proud of.

But there are moments when I’m not proud of it. I wish we had more house, more space, newer appliances. I want to host big Bible studies and gatherings. And to be honest, sometimes I just want more because I hope it might make other people impressed.

This year, God has been teaching me that contentment isn’t found in having more—it’s found in offering what I already have with a cheerful heart.

The Holiday Tension: Gratitude vs. Wanting More

With thanksgiving next week, followed by Black Friday, I feel the tug-of-war between being thankful for what I have and wanting to go on major shopping sprees. It’s easy to get swept into the longing for more stuff when everything seems to be 50% off. (I do love a good deal!)

But whenever I start slipping toward discontentment, I remember something I experienced several years ago—something that changed the way I see my home.

A Lesson From a Small Apartment

We were invited over to some friends’ house. They were young and newly married. Their apartment was small and sparsely furnished. Their TV was literally sitting on a cooler. And they were SO proud of their place.

They smiled from ear to ear as they showed us around their two rooms. We ate popcorn, watched a movie, played games, and had the BEST time.

That night taught me something I needed to learn:It isn’t the size of the house or how much stuff you have. It’s the attitude you carry and the warmth you show that makes people feel welcome.

You don’t need a big house or fancy things.You just need to share what you do have with a happy heart.

What Scripture Teaches About Giving

That truth is woven all throughout Scripture.

2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

And Acts tells the story of Peter and John proving that even when you don’t have money, you still have something to offer.

In Acts 3:4–12, they encounter a man who had been lame from birth, begging for money at the temple gate. Peter says,“Silver and gold have I none, but what I have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”The man stood, walked, and leaped for joy.

That story reminds me that what we have—when given to God—is always enough.

A Simple Moment at the Park

I was reminded of that once at a nearby park. A man was handing out Christian booklets, visiting from Brazil where he served as a missionary. He asked if I could send money to help his mission.

I didn’t have any money with me, but I told him I would love to pray for him. And right there at the park we prayed together.

Giving out of what you have can be that simple.

Tight Times and Counting Blessings

This year, money is tight for so many people after the government shutdown and the rising cost of living. My husband works so hard to provide for us, and we are blessed—yet even with good jobs, it’s still a balance to keep afloat in this economy.

In these tight times, what has helped me most is pausing to look around my house and count my blessings. To stop focusing on what we don’t have and start praising God for what He has given us.

Because the truth is this:If you can’t be happy with a little, you won’t ever be happy with more.

John Rockefeller was once asked, “How much money is enough?”His answer: “Just a little bit more.”

Contentment is a choice we make—not something we find at the checkout counter.

Practical Ways to Give From What You Have

As we enter the season of gift-giving and large gatherings, here are a few simple ways to give out of what you have:

• Give your time. Help with a project, babysit, offer a ride, or be a listening ear.

• Give a prayer. Pray with people—right when they need it.

• Give a meal. A warm dinner can mean more than you realize.

• Invite people into your home, even if it’s small. Joy makes any space feel big.

• Make a homemade gift. Something heartfelt is always meaningful.

• Shop within your budget. Love doesn’t require debt.

• Use your talents. Sing, decorate, bake, craft—whatever you have, God can use.
  

Choosing Gratitude This Holiday Season

May we all slow down enough this season to notice the blessings already around us. May we offer what we have with joy. And may we remember that a cheerful heart makes even the smallest home feel full.

*edits by Chat GPT