Christian Living

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Contentment

When I was in my early twenties my occupation was primarily childcare-babysitting. I was also a crossing guard. I enjoyed both jobs. I enjoyed helping the children cross the streets and babysitting, but occasionally I would wish I was a teacher. My desire was to be a reading teacher and a bible teacher. I used to teach children’s church and Sunday school as well. Sometimes I would day dream about my future plans. I would not be content with the present circumstances. I would become dissatisfied with what I had by wishing for something else. I didn’t feel that what I was doing was important.
Today approaching 50 years old, I look back on those years of my life as the very best years of my life. I had a lot of fun babysitting and being a crossing guard. Both jobs were equally important. If I had it to do all over again, I would.
Today I do telephone work from home. I’ve been doing it for the last 23 years. I’m happy with my work. I’ve been employed at the one company for 16 years and the other for about 12 years. I enjoy being at home. I wouldn’t trade my jobs for anything in the world.
What is my point in telling all this? Phillipians 4:11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. When the apostle Paul wrote these inspired words, they weren’t just empty words. He was writing this from jail. So he speaks from experience
As you may know, he was a tent maker. He suffered much. You can read about it in 2 Coritnhians 11:23-28- ..In far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes.Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers from false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. That’s quite a lot for one man to suffer, yet he learned to be content in all his circumstances.
Sometimes what we wish we had isn’t really what would make us either happy or fulfilled if we had it. It may not even be God’s best for us. If God led us to where we are, we can rest assured it is where we belong. After all, he opens and closes doors as he wills and is best for us at the time. It may not be permanent either.
It’s okay to work toward future goals and wish we had something else, so long as we come back to the realization that we can and should be content where we are. Someday we may very well look back on today and say,” Those were the best years of my life”.
When my mother was alive, and If I would be depressed about something, I’d say, “ Mom, what if things don’t work out for me?” Her response was always the same, she would say,” Well dear, I wouldn’t worry about it, God will work it all out” She was right. God always has been faithful to work things out for her and for me. Romans 8:28 sums it up best- And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.” nasb
This article is copyrighted 2009 and is dedicated to and in honor of my mother-Beatrice M Bailey- 11-9-20 to 3-14-08 Mom I am looking forward to the day God calls me home so I can be with you again. Until then, Mom. I love you always Mom. The Best Mom anyone could wish for. What a legacy of courage and faith you left for me. Two great gifts. Love you Mom, Zorrine

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