Wednesday, October 2, 2019

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” (Philippians 4:11, New Living Translation) 

Allow me to describe a moment of perfect, blissful contentment.

We were visiting Erin and the boys in Mississauga on Sunday while Nick and his brother, Nate, were off to close up the cottage over the weekend. Susan and the two older boys were playing a video game in William’s bedroom. The boys love playing “Plants and Zombies” with grandma. I was holding one-month old Beckett who had fallen asleep in my arms. So, Erin used the peace and quiet for a quick nap of her own.

Soon, I  had stretched out the sofa and Becket remained fast asleep, lying on my chest, cradled in my arms.  Both he and I were perfectly content in that moment. I, for one, couldn’t have asked for anything more right then. The occasion brought me joy and satisfaction.

How do you define contentment?

I suspect we all have different and varied definitions as to what might make us feel contented. Perhaps it’s some job or task well done or finally completed. Maybe, it’s that cup of coffee while sitting on a deck watching a sunset. Or enjoying a good restaurant meal with your best friend or loved one. Maybe, it’s an inspiring worship service. Or solving a problem. Perhaps it’s good day in which our aches and pain have eased for while. Or hearing good news. Or experiencing a moment in which we feel loved or special.

Contentment is not as easy to come by as we would like and therefore it is special and treasured when it happens.  Rarely, is the best contentment rooted in the stuff of materialism and consumerism which is  more likely  to make us restless,  malcontented and greedy for more. Just the constant desire alone to acquire all that we can is a bumpy road to real contentment. “So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” (1 Timothy 6:8 NLT)

Contentment can’t be forced or coerced out of a situation. It doesn’t have to be generated by anything which is momentous or monumental but can be inspired by something simple, ordinary or everyday. It is a moment of grace and gift. There may even be a hint of sacredness or holiness about it, making the moment transcend the ordinariness of it all. One becomes acutely aware that this occasion is uniquely special and satisfying. It evokes a sense of gratitude and appreciation. Contentment calls out the best in us and infuses us with a spirit of shalom or well-being.  “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” (1 Timothy 6:6, NLT)

Contentment is no something to be taken for granted. Enjoy! Take pleasure; find peace; absorb it; remember. You can recall it in times of stress and upheaval. It can offer a reservoir of hope and possibility in times of challenge or distress.

We need to continue Paul’s thought from out text above. “I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4: 12 -13, NLT) With a little help from his friends and an active faith and trust in God through Jesus Christ Paul discovered that contentment was measured by different standards or values than the busy demanding,  hectic world was offering. It gave him a freedom to accept whatever life had in store and strength to overcome and an inner peace that saw him through the lean times as well as the good times.

Peace be with you! 

Dale