Today, we're so connected—connected to the point that it's beginning to have an adverse effect on our lives. We check Facebook, and within 30 seconds we see a friend's new house, huge promotion, cute baby, expensive dinner or glorious vacation. And we feel like we're missing out.

For me, missing out takes on a variety of forms:

When I think more about what other people are doing than the friends or family I'm with, missing out wins. When I think more about another stage of life than the one I'm actually in, missing out wins. When I think more about my next job than embracing (and blooming in) my current position, missing out wins. When I envy another person's financial security, missing out wins. When I'm constantly staring down at my phone, missing out wins.

I often justify this side of myself as looking ahead or dreaming or reflecting. But honestly, all of this points to a lack of contentment.

In Philippians 4:11-13, when Paul says that he's learned to be content in every situation, I can't always relate. This is the goal, but it's not my day-to-day reality. Most days I'm dreaming of a house that isn't drafty or at least one that has a driveway.

Or I might want to fast forward to a time when my one-year old sleeps through the night every night. But as I grow in contentment, I will be more present and aware of the joy found in my current state. I will be filled with gratitude for what I have and less likely to be tossed in the waves of comparison. I'll find contentment in who God has made me to be and the people who bless my life.

When I focus too much on being somewhere else, I miss out on the beauty of today. Let's go to God's Word together for peace and contentment:

1. Philippians 4:11-13 (GNTD)
   And I am not saying this because I feel neglected, for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
2. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (GNTD)
   Well, religion does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have. What did we bring into the world? Nothing! What can we take out of the world? Nothing! So then, if we have food and clothes, that should be enough for us.
3. Luke 12:15 (GNTD)
   And he went on to say to them all, “Watch out and guard yourselves from every kind of greed; because your true life is not made up of the things you own, no matter how rich you may be.”
4. Isaiah 26:3 (GNTD)
   You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you.
5. Hebrews 13:5 (GNTD)
   Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.”
6. Psalm 23:1 (GNTD)
   The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.