Making “bucket lists” is trendy. I don’t have a bucket list.
Since I was in the fifth grade my enduring dream has been to write books. I write books. I’m happy.
I would love to make money writing books – enough money that I could keep writing more books. But several of my books have made the Amazon Best Seller’s List (albeit briefly), so I’m happy.
It would be great to visit my hometown of Bandera, Texas, “Cowboy Capital of the World,” and say howdy to my friends. Needless to say, I’d love to visit all my family members. Family is more fulfilling than writing books.
It would be fantastic to take a Christian cruise to warmer climes. I can’t think of anything more enjoyable than spending days eating food you don’t have to cook, swimming, working out at a gym, and relaxing in the sun – except writing books.
There are fascinating places in the world to visit with strange and exotic landscapes and animals. But I’ve traveled to many of those places already through reading books. I’ve researched and written some of them into my books. I’m happy.
Our rough collie Angel Joy had a one-item bucket list. She wanted to meet a cat and sniff it to see what it was. Our friendly birds outside let her sniff their feathers, but cats have always run. Finally, a cat not only let her sniff – it followed her across the parking lot and tried to jump into the car with her. She’s happy.
If I had a bucket list, one animal I always wanted to meet was a hedgehog. I got to meet one the other night. It let me crawl around on the ground and take its picture and touch its stiff bristles. I’m happy. I wrote a hedgehog into “Bridge to Brigadoon,” which is set here in Scotland. It was fabulous to meet one in person – so to speak.
The apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Paul lived for Jesus even after being beaten and stoned for his faith, and after having survived shipwrecks. He knew the secret: “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” I don’t think Paul had a bucket list. He lived each day fully engaged – and he was a writer. He was happy.
Bucket lists are cool. They really are.
But, I have my books. I’m happy.
http://www.amazon.com/Stephanie-Parker-McKean/e/B00BOX90OO/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Stephanie Parker McKean 
I was wondering if I am not the only one who noticed the bucket list thing. You articulation of contentment is so infectious:-) Recently I had a conversation with a friend who asked about the places I will like to visit…All I really love to do is to be able to visit my parents back home in Cameroon:-) If only the tickets could be cheaper for a family of 4:-)
Keep writing and enjoying your books
God will surely grant you your heart desires. Which country do you reside in? I am Nigerian living in the U.S. so I totally felt your statement :).
As God will grant your heart desires. I am a Texan living in Scotland. May Jesus shine with His glory & blessing in your life.
Amen! It is so nice to meet you.
Amen Favour, I am in Belgium
Thanks for your lovely comments. I hope you get to visit your parents. With a family of four, it is expensive, but God is a God of miracles. May He give you the desire of your heart.
Amen indeed! It is a pleasure to meet you also! Bedtime in the UK. The collie just came and got me. Have a great day – every day. God bless.
This is a very positive and uplifting post. I am happy for you in finding this balance
All the very best.
God Bless You and Yours.
Roger
Aww…thanks, Roger. May you find joy, success, and a healthy balance of every good thing in life. God bless you and yours.
And your books are great too, Steph, so that makes us happy! A lovely, inspiring post that says much about not living your life wanting other things. I’m glad you are happy!
Thanks, Val. When a writer of your caliber enjoys my books…that makes me happier than I can describe. Glad you found the post inspiring. Finding the hedgehog outside our Monday Night Bible study waiting to meet me…well…not sure that was his intention…really did fulfill a lifetime goal of mine, as silly as it may seem to some! I love critters. And rocks. And writing. And reading great books like all of yours. Yup. Lot to be happy about!
I love your perspective of contentment. It touched my heart reading how you view life. Awesome.
Thank you. Your comment touches my heart with joy. May God bless you in all your ways.