Contentment

Complaints spewed across the gathering, making me think of Goldilocks and the three bears. The bears complained about everything.

None of the three bears, the papa, mama, or baby bear agreed on what their complaint was. The porridge was too hot or too cold. The bed was too soft or too hard.

Contentment is not a word one hears much about in these days of strong emotions, adamant opinions, and striving. Nor do we hear it talked about as a worthy goal. But it brings peace and pleasure in its own way, making it a beneficial goal. It is within our reach. Contentment can apply to every aspect of our lives, our finances, our social life, goals and status. Contentment does not mean we must stay where we find ourselves at any given stage of life without trying to change what needs changing or improving.  But it does mean finding satisfaction and enjoyment right where we are even while we are working to improve our situation. If we take measured, well-planned steps we can grow more and more content even as we take steps to improve our situation, changing what God shows us to change.

Begin with thanking God for His love and His ability to help us with our lives in every way. Ask Him to look upon our present situation and help us learn to find contentment where we are while He guides us into the attitudes, actions, and approaches to life which will help us change whatever we need to improve. He can help us change while maintaining contentment in the process.  In the meantime, if we develop the ability to look on the bright side of every situation, we profit from our home-grown cheerfulness.  There is a study that says that it takes less muscle power to smile than it does to frown. We can become an encourager at the same time as we endeavor to bring about needed change.