Content, with intention

Highway 200's blue bridge across the Missouri River. Photo taken from the bench mentioned below. 

I found this new spot that has quickly become a favored destination for me and our dog, Tag, on our walks. This spot calls me back each time for a few reasons, despite the swarms of mosquitos that attack us.

For one, it's new. And newness is a necessity for me - I'm the kind of girl who's style changes monthly along with her hairdo.

I'm sure it's not new to those of you from town, as it's right along the walking trail. Even though the Missouri is flooding, it's beauty is ever-present.This bench is placed on top of the hill, looking out toward the river and that big blue bridge of Highway 200. Whoever placed it there sure knew what they were doing - the positioning is pristine.

Another reason I like it is because of all the water you can see from the bench. Now, I'm a born and raised North Dakotan… but from Gackle. The only water I've every known is the big slough in the back of the farm. I know nothing about rivers or how to navigate them or use them - is it mucky and not a good idea to swim in? Can you boat in it? Fish? I just don't know yet. But that's probably a big part of why it intrigues me - I don't fully understand it, it's still a mystery.

Tag, of course, likes the spot, too, because he's slightly chunky right now and appreciates the rest and the drink of water that I stream into his mouth from my water bottle.

Overall, this newfound place is beautiful. Especially around 9:30 p.m. when the sun is almost down and the earth is filled with those colors only dusk can bring.

I was sitting there the other day and I found myself not wanting for anything. And it struck me - this is what content feels like.

I've always had everything I needed, after all, that's been a promise since the beginning. But this content-ness now is from having everything I want.

I'm a thinker, dreaming up the next section and slot of what life will be; the future job I'll have, the city I'll live in, the man I'll marry, the babies I'll have - they've all be drawn up in my mind at one time or another.

Well, I found that guy a while back and I married him in a big white dress and we live in this great little town now where I'm a writer by profession and I'm able to sit on this overlook and feel full... not wanting.

I'm not telling you this out of boasting. I'm simply writing to tell of all the blessings I am so very thankful for.

Things might be crappy sometimes, but it's all in the eye of the beholder, right? My family has endured loss, and we'll inevitably loose more, but those that we still have, have a lot of love to give to fill the gaps.

College was hard and sometimes I didn't want to be there and those test grades were at times discouraging, but I made it and it was a sweet, sweet victory.

I know I'm young and haven't been married too long - but in that short time, things, at times, get trying and fighting words slip out and wet towels get left on the bed after many nagging comments. But marriage is such a beautiful "institution" and he's stuck with me and I'm stuck with him and at the end of every day that's the greatest, unfaltering promise I have to hold onto.

I found this account on Etsy.com of an artist lady who paints on homemade paper and features a quote on each of her pieces. The one that got this writing rolling was the one that read: "that was the day she made herself a promise to live more from intention and less from habit."

So simple and so profound. Don't just be. Be with intention.

"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought." Matthew 5:5