Contentment: The Sacred Path to Loving the Life You Have [Hardcover] Wilde-Pace, Tracy

Product Description From a fifth-generation preacher and pastor and acclaimed author of Finding The Lost Art of Empathy comes a moving and inspirational exploration of the true meaning of contentment and how we can incorporate it into our lives. Through her own personal experiences and years of focused Bible study, Tracy Wilde investigates one of the greatest mysteries of modern Christian life: contentment. She reveals that contentment differs from happiness, and is not something you can implement in a day—it takes time, practice, and an awareness of the draining distractions that rob us of joy, satisfaction, gratitude, and trust. In this book, Tracy explores the life of Paul the Apostle to show how we can live a life of fulfillment no matter the circumstances. Using the Biblical book of Philippians, Tracy presents contentment as a crucial practice for all followers of Jesus. She distinguishes the differences between happiness (shallow and short term) and contentment (deep and lasting), examines our tendency toward entitlement, and acknowledges the fear and anxiety when life gets tough. With her lyrical prose, profound insight, and “heart for people” (Lisa Bevere, New York Times bestselling author), Tracy offers encouragement and confidence as she helps you learn the secret of contentment and helps you focus on all that is good and true and beautiful so you can see your life anew. About the Author Tracy Wilde is a fifth-generation pastor and preacher. Tracy’s fresh and honest message helps break down walls of insecurity and encourages people to find hope and purpose in Jesus alone. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s of divinity degree in practical theology. After finishing seminary, Tracy moved to Los Angeles, California, where she helped pioneer and pastor for a Bible-study-turned-church for young Hollywood. Tracy currently resides in Boise, Idaho, where she’s a Teaching Pastor and Young Adult Pastor at Capital Church . Tracy loves being newly married to her wonderful husband, Garrison. She loves wake surfing, paddle boarding, and basically anything else that has to do with warm weather and water. She is the author of Finding the Lost Art of Empathy and Contentment. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Chapter 1: What Is Contentment? Already Not Yet To me, there’s nothing more frustrating than wanting to be home after a long trip overseas. A few years ago, I was returning home from Kenya to Idaho after teaching at the beautiful Kenya College of Ministry, which trains local pastors in practical ministry to help them build healthy, thriving churches. Every trip is unbelievably rewarding and so enjoyable! You’ve got to love that Kenyan tea! But after a few weeks of teaching all day, fighting mosquitoes, and trying to tame my wild, frizzy naturally curly hair, I was ready to head home. This particular year I brought the greatest travel buddy ever with me, Vierra. Vierra is the quintessential international traveler. This girl is a legend and such an adventurer. She’s traveled all over the world, so you don’t have to worry about her handling the terrain of rocky roads or the unique local delicacies offered. Not to mention, she knows how to make you laugh. But after a great few weeks with our lovely Kenyan pastors, both Vierra and I couldn’t wait to get home. You know you’re ready to go home when you leave for the airport way before you need to. I think we arrived a solid five hours before our flight was scheduled to depart, but we didn’t mind one bit. We made our way to the airport lounge and settled in with free Wi-Fi and snacks. After a few hours of lounging, catching up on emails, and all things social media, we decided we should head for our gate since they would be boarding soon. Once we had arrived at the gate, we heard the news no traveler ever wants to hear: “Your flight has been delayed.” Ugh. The worst. We felt like we had already be