The art of being content

Paul said that he had learned "the secret" of being content. It is clear from the context that he was talking about contentment with his material situation. Maybe the secret is contained in verse 13 of Philipians 4 where he says: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength," whatever that meant to him.

During my early adulthood there were lots of competing things that were driving me. The desire to achieve, the desire to look good to others, all pretty normal stuff. I let those scripts create a life that was constantly reacting to circumstances in ways that were, from time to time, destructive to my self and others.

Last year was one of crisis for me and my family in the realm of the material. That crisis is not over, by any means, but my attitude has shifted. I am slowly learning to be contented with our situation. As I am doing that I find that the roller coaster of last year evens out and becomes simply a train going down the track. One of the key aspects of roller coasters and trains is that those who are riding them are not in control. They are along for the ride. So you can choose whether or not you are going to enjoy the ride. By the way, I don’t like roller coasters. However, there is some aspect of risk and adrenaline that I must enjoy, otherwise one cannot explain the situations I have found myself in from time to time.