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The Secret of Contentment

I often get caught up in the daily grind of life, as I’m sure most of us do. There are deadlines to meet at work, traffic to drive through, kids to feed, maintaining the house, etc. The list can go on and on. When it is all said and done, there really isn't much time left over for joy – which I find in hanging out with my best friend (my wife), playing with those same kids I have to feed, talking sports with a good friend, etc. – that list can also go on and on.  

It just seems that I spend most of my time and exerting most of my energy on the things that are less desirable and by the time I get around to the things I love, I am exhausted and not able to give my full attention. That might be fine every once and a while, but as life seemingly speeds up from year to year, I look back and it seems like the same cycle over and over again day after day.

So, what is the solution? Paul covers this in his letter to the Philippians:

“… 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 fend or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13

So, Paul, who was this bold ambassador of the faith whose ministry spread across most of the known world, had to learn the secret of being content. This type of writing really prompts me to pause for a moment to think about how I approach every facet of life.

When it comes to work, I approach it as if I have to get through it as quickly as possible to be happy – even though I can’t control how fast the clock ticks. The same thing for feeding the kids: it’s tough because it’s expensive, time consuming, and in the end the kids don’t appreciate the food so I have to resort to gimmicks just to get them to eat (my 3 year old will be disappointed when he realizes that he will never be as strong as the Incredible Hulk!) – but they still have to be fed well. Also, when it comes to cutting the grass or sweeping up the super-hero-making-food that was “accidentally” dropped onto the floor – in the end, the house still has to be maintained.

There really is no getting around my responsibilities, and I’m okay with that. I really don’t want to try to get out of those things that I should do. That leaves only one choice: to learn that same secret that Paul learned. If I can learn to be content in all things, whether it is the joy I have in spending time with my beautiful bride, or if it is the third upset customer I’m dealing with today, I should remain content. Whether I have plenty or I am in need, I will strive to be content from now on in every circumstance.

It is clear to me that Paul did not attain this type of maturity by himself. He caps off his wise proclamation of contentment by revealing that his resolve comes from the strength found only in Christ. Well, I will seek his strength for the contentment in my life. I want that joy to remain with me all day long. A close friend of mine has told me tons of times to not let the struggles of the day steal my joy. How profound and true is that? It is as if Paul has been speaking directly to me!

Now, you may notice I didn't mention the whole traffic thing again… well, I’m pretty sure Paul never had to drive on I-35 during rush hour! I’ll still try my best though :-D

In Christ Alone,

Jon


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