Finding Contentment in Motherhood
Finding Contentment in Motherhood
It started as a random question that popped into my head early last year: What is contentment? Is it learned? Is it a gift from God? Maybe both? I understand it as being satisfied and feeling fulfilled with what you have, what you’re doing, and who you are becoming. But where does that come from? Why do some people seem deeply content with what appears to be so little, while others have so much and still don’t feel satisfied?
As mothers, we often struggle with this. We imagine an ideal version of motherhood—one where our home is perfectly organized, our children are always well-behaved, and we gracefully juggle every responsibility with ease. When reality doesn’t match this vision, discontentment can creep in. But maybe contentment isn’t about achieving a perfect life; maybe it’s about embracing the season we’re in, even with its imperfections.
A famous philosopher, Epicurus, spoke about three different types of desires: natural and necessary desires, natural but unnecessary desires, and “vain and empty” desires. In today’s world, many of our desires fall into the “vain and empty” category—chasing after things that don’t truly fulfill us. As mothers, this can translate into feeling like we must do more, be more, and have more to be considered successful. But perhaps true contentment comes when we align our desires with what God has planned for us.
I remember a time in my mid-20s when I would constantly ask myself, “What do I want?” But that question often led me toward material desires or a longing for new experiences. If I had instead asked, “Who am I? What type of mother, wife, and woman do I want to become?” I think I would have found clarity much sooner.
Much of 2023 was spent pondering contentment—how I could cultivate more peace, joy, and fulfillment in my life. One thing became clear: contentment is deeply connected to surrender. As I prayed, “God, please give me the desires of my heart and align them with Your will,” I experienced a major shift. My previous ambition for career success and financial gain faded, and a new longing took its place—a longing for slow mornings with my children, moments of play, working on my garden, and creating a peaceful home. The thought of returning to a fast-paced business world became totally unappealing. This shift confused some of my colleagues and mentors, who encouraged me to balance my newfound desires with my old responsibilities. But deep down, I knew I was entering a new season of life, one where my focus needed to change.
Surrendering to God in all aspects of life—my identity, my expectations, and my future—brought an unexpected peace. I had spent years believing that success required relentless hustle, but when I let go of my need for control, I discovered a new rhythm. I left my business, despite financial uncertainties, trusting that God would provide. And He did. Money showed up in unexpected ways, proving to me that contentment isn’t about securing everything ourselves—it’s about trusting that God’s plan is always greater than our own.
Paul speaks about this in Philippians 4:11-13:
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
This verse reminds me that contentment isn’t about circumstances—it’s about perspective. In motherhood, there will always be challenges, but when we shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, contentment follows.
Another verse that resonates deeply with me is 1 Timothy 6:6:
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Motherhood is a journey filled with both joy and struggle. But when we surrender to the season we’re in and embrace God’s plan, we find a peace that surpasses worldly expectations. So, I ask you: How has a lack of contentment affected your life? What steps can you take to embrace the beauty of the season you’re in?