Is Contentment Really that Difficult?

Is it really so difficult to be content and happy with things and people and just get along with others? That is a rhetorical question, but a real one nonetheless. I mean think about it. I have come to learn that I really make things so difficult for myself because I expect things to be different than they are. I expect people to act differently than they do. I expect everything to run smoothly and it doesn't. Then there is another way of thinking about contentment that some people have, which is just be satisfied with what you have. While that is a part of the big picture it still doesn't explain the whole scene.

When we think of being creative our intuitive juices start flowing to come up with the newest and the best and reach someone no one else has ever captivated before. When it comes to being confident we can strut with the best of them because after all we are somebody too. When it comes to being competent we are the best at what we do because we work hard to make sure of it. But this other "C" word called Contentment, now that is a different story. Let's list some things that mean we aren't content rather than the things we should do to be content. Here we go:

• The work day is going to happen every day just like it has for the last several years so just let it happen
• School starts at 7:45 am and there is no stopping it so don't gripe that it is too early, everyone has to do it
• There will be until the day you leave this world be someone who doesn't like you (Don't hate them for it or you will be as bad as them, just realize I am going to do to others as I would like to have them do to me)
• There will always be the "X" factor that challenges our contentment, everyday in many ways
• Contentment that is really contentment always includes the Lord in our plans
• Contentment is being satisfied you did a great job if you get a large tip or a small one
• Content that you are pleasing yourself, your family, your Lord
• If we lash out, we aren't content
• If we curse the day or the pitfalls of life, we aren't content
• Contentment is not becoming passive
• Contentment doesn't mean we are door mats for others to abuse

We recently told you in church of a friend of ours who has all the "toys" and the means to enjoy them. We also told you that what makes our friend different is if he didn't have all those things he would still be humble because he is humble and he has those things. He gives more away than I could ever hope to think about giving. He is a down to earth kind of guy who loves Jesus and his family and his friends. Nothing seems to shatter his approach to each day.

Paul chose an interesting phrase in Philippians 4:11 ".I have learned." what it means to be content. Contentment is a process. For some it takes longer than others. If you want to be content, be a fast learner because Contentment is where there is Joy.