Contemplating Contentment

This morning as I was sipping my coffee I began thinking about the year ending and how quickly it seemed to pass. How can 2019 already be at a close? Better question, what did I do with the time? My thoughts drifted to spiritual things as they most often do, and I wondered where I had grown most in my walk with Jesus this year.

I contemplated how I’ve grown; my faith is deeper, my understanding of God’s love is fuller, my desire to read the Word is stronger … but my thoughts kept coming back to contentment.

On a table across the room from the chair where I sit to read is a photo of my husband and I on our wedding day. As I gazed at that photo, I realized that the joy and togetherness we felt that day is even stronger today. Neither of us is perfect, or makes the other happy every day – that’s just unrealistic, but our love for each other is stronger than our imperfections. There is great joy in that.

I thought about the challenges we’ve faced that have delayed, and actually increased, the remodeling list on the home we purchased in 2017. We knew going in that there would be many improvements necessary to bring this beautiful house out of the late 60’s. Think flowery wall paper, goldenrod carpet, one shower, kitchen flooring and insufficient cabinet space on the short list. New carpet and an additional shower are complete but the need for a new roof in 2018 and then flooding in the lower level twice in 2019 delayed other projects and put new ones at the head of the short list. It dawned on me that the anxiety I typically feel in these situations has been replaced with the comfort that all these things will get done in God’s time.

I realized that, perhaps for the first time in my life, I can truly say I am content. Spiritual contentment and peace with where I am has overflowed into my marriage, my work and even the long list of remodeling projects yet undone. I have faith that God will provide enough.

“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.” Philippians 4:12-13.

My prayer is for each of you come to the place in your spiritual journey where you too are content in all situations.