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Life wasn't supposed to be this way. How many times has this phrase been said when life threw an unexpected curveball at someone? The reality is, most of us experience a life that is drastically different than what we envisioned when we were younger. 

Looking back over the 19 years that we have been married, there have been many roads Heather and I traveled together that we never saw coming. Growing up in the Fort Worth area, I never envisioned moving to Oklahoma. I had no idea that I would end up with six kids. There were job opportunities that seem to come out of nowhere that blessed my family and taught me valuable leadership lessons. 

The Apostle Paul wrote a powerful passage in Phillipians 4:11-12:

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for 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."

Paul experienced some dramatic extremes in his life. He went from the pinnacle of the Jewish faith to being imprisoned for his believe in Jesus. Paul had times of plenty and times of poverty. In every season of life, Paul learned to be content. He was not rattled by the rough times or overly hyped on the good times.

In our marriages, we can learn this valuable lesson on being content. There are some things we never see coming. There are journeys that God leads us down that are unexpected and many times seem illogical. In these moments, it is very easy to get upset at the unforseen circumstance. 

Instead of shaking our fist at God for taking us down a different path, we can learn to be content in knowing that God's direction is always true. His path is always for our benefit and His plan is perfect. Instead of becoming discontent, we can let His peace rule in our hearts and allow it to create a contentment in our minds that can only come from God.