Contentment
Contentment
“We were all having a great time at the amusement park, until …” the mother’s voice dropped off a bit. She was the keynote facilitator of a workshop my wife and I were attending that explored the differences in people’s personalities. The joy of her countenance changed; the light-hearted energy in her voice shifted to concern. She went on to describe the next nightmarish moments. It was at that moment that they discovered their 9-year-old boy was missing. Frantically they began to search their immediate surroundings. Nothing. Unapologetically, they enlarged their search pleading with people all around them, “have you seen our little boy?”
Nothing.
Finally, security made connection with them to come to the main office. Their boy was safe with them and had been for quite some time. They bolted their way as quickly as possible to the front of the park. They were taken to their boy sitting comfortably awaiting their arrival.
Mom burst into tears in relief as she rushed toward her boy to hug him tightly.
“I’m so sorry,” she expressed.
“It’s ok, mommy.” His response was comforting and a bit confusing. Her relief turned to regret as she realized her little boy had missed out on some of his time to experience the park.
Recounting the story, the joy on her face beamed with a grin as she remembered his response.
“Mommy, it’s really ok. All the time I’ve been waiting here, I knew you would come for me. I just closed my eyes and pretended I was riding all of the rides with you and daddy.”
Adapted from a true story (because I don’t remember some of the exact details)
Scripture
Philippians 4:11-13
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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Points to Ponder
Contentment can be learned. The word used in the Greek that is rendered “learned,” means to learn from experience. It infers that you have, “come to realize.”
Circumstances do not have to dictate contentment. We often let them. We don’t have to.
Things don’t bring contentment. We bring contentment to the things.
I believe the secret to contentment that Paul learned is rooted in his knowing that he could do all things through Christ who gives him strength.
Kingdom Strategy
Kingdom leaders know the value of leading from contentment rather than contention. The former is a fruit of abiding in Christ; the latter is the consequence of striving in one’s own strength.