Katie Ganshert, Author at Katie Ganshert

The Secret of Being Content

Posted on February 1, 2012February 1, 2012 by Katie Ganshert

The other day, I came across these words from Paul:

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. -Philippians 4:11-12

Wow.

Talk about challenging.

Because seriously, content whatever the circumstances?

You mean as writers, we’re to practice contentment whether we have an agent or not? Whether we have a book deal or not? Whether we’re having a good experience with our publisher or not? Whether we have good sales or poor sales? Whether we’re writing in obscurity or writing in the spotlight?

You mean as adoptive parents, we’re to practice contentment whether we are happy with our agency or not? Whether we get a referral when we’re supposed to or not? Whether we bring our child home as scheduled or not? Whether our little ones adjust well to their new lives or struggle to bond?

Really?

God’s word says yes.

He wants us to learn contentment in every circumstance.

Because He knows something that tends to go right over our heads. At least mine.

Circumstances don’t bring contentment.

They might bring temporary excitement or happiness, but those feelings quickly fade. If we hinge our contentment on the hope of better things to come, we’ll never be content.

We’ll forever live under the assumption that if we could just get an agent, or just get a book deal, or just earn out our advance, or just win an award….

We’ll forever live under the assumption that if we could just get that referral, or just get our travel plans, or just hold our child, or just help them adjust…

Here’s the thing.

There will always be one more “just”.

Which is why these verses are worth remembering.

For writers. For adoptive parents. For pretty much anyone who lives and breathes and strives.

The source of our contentment is not our circumstances.

Does this mean we’re supposed to put on a happy face and smile when times are crummy? Does this mean that we’re not allowed to vent or cry or struggle?

Of course not. Even Jesus wept when his friend Lazarus died.

It just means that at the end of the day, God wants us to rely on His strength. To rest in His grace. To trust in His goodness. To put our hope in His promises.

Through every situation. Through every season of life. Whether good or bad.

Let’s Talk: What area of your life do you struggle with the most in regards to contentment?

Would You Rather…

Posted on January 27, 2012January 23, 2012 by Katie Ganshert

When you don’t know what to post, a game of Would You Rather is a good fall back.

So, tell me.

When it comes to sharing an evening with the one you like…

Would you rather cook an intimate meal at home or go out to a restaurant?

And for extra credit, what’s your idea of the perfect date?

The Best Response

Posted on January 25, 2012January 25, 2012 by Katie Ganshert

When a friend announces she’s pregnant, our responses tend to be predictable.

Excited squeals. Enthusiastic hugs. Congrats all around. And eager voices that ask, “When are you due?” and “How are you feeling?”

When Ryan and I found out we were pregnant with Brogan, we couldn’t wait to tell people. We couldn’t wait to share our news. We couldn’t wait to share our joy.

And the same was true when we made the decision to adopt.

Our joy was the same. Our anticipation was the same.

Yet the responses ran the gamut.

From absolutely thrilled to absolutely wary.

The wide variety had me wondering why.

Why are the reactions so varied?

I think a lot of it comes from not knowing. So many people just don’t know how to react, because adoption isn’t as common as pregnancy. And there’s this somewhat popular thought that people adopt because they can’t get pregnant. And being infertile isn’t a happy, celebratory thing. So we’re just not sure how to respond when someone we love tells us they’re adopting.

As I travel this journey, here’s what I’ve learned.

When it comes to our response, the why’s don’t really matter. Because by the time a family announces their adoption, they’re excited about it. Sure, there are other emotions too. Just like there are other emotions when a woman is pregnant. But the dominant emotions are usually positive.

So the best response, the one I think adoptive parents most appreciate, is when people react like they would to a pregnancy. With joy and excitement!

Because the family is going to have a child. A precious, beloved child. And that child deserves to be celebrated.

Of course there will be questions. And there will probably be concerns. But get excited first. Ask questions second.

Be like my aunt Peggy, who completely lit up, gave me a big hug, and asked when she could start telling people.

These responses are such a blessing. Thankfully, there have been plenty!

Let’s Talk: Why do you think the responses are so varied when it comes to adoption?