We’re familiar with the seasonal greeting, “Have a merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year!” For me that year was 2024. Last year I experienced remarkable contentment and satisfaction.

When my husband unexpectedly died in May 2023 my children and I lost our pillar. He structured our lives and kept everything in order. He always used to tell us, “If I’m not around this place would be in chaos.” How true. Our lives for a while became chaotic.

Brian was an excellent provider. He satisfied all our needs, ensured we had enough food in the house, and paid all the bills. We never discussed succession planning; we didn’t think it necessary. After all, we still had many years together—until we didn’t.

But we survived. I retired early to look after my family and home. I grocery-shopped, paid all the bills, and even entertained. We did everything we were accustomed to doing before May 3rd, 2023, and more.

Satisfaction did not only come via material things but through the friends I gained. After his passing, many of Brian’s coworkers and friends rallied around me and my children. Even today, almost two years later, they still check up on us. Family and friends’ support was the main component in alleviating our grief.

I created a vision board displaying scriptures on money and possessions. My favourite is Hebrews 13:5:

“Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you. “”

This scripture is my favourite because it reminds me that we don’t need to run after money or possessions to find contentment. The Lord will give us all we need for healthy living. And whatever he gives us will be more than enough as expressed in Proverbs 10:22:

“The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and toil adds nothing to it.”

This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up for the prompt, Satisfaction.