January Newsletter: Being Content

" 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 everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4: 12b-13

I have rarely been hungry or in want, but I’m still learning how to be content in any and every situation. I’m learning how to be content when there is no power, no hot water (or water of any kind), and no fast food. I’m learning to be content when my stomach is upset, my skin itches from bug bites, or I’m tired from jet lag. I’m learning how to be content without a car, without knowing what people are saying to me, without being able to find a place where I can truly be alone, and without snow for Christmas. I’m learning to be content with small lizards and large roaches living in my house, with a dog that growls at me no matter how many times he’s seen me walk through his yard, and with a cat that sheds all over our couch cushions.

So, how am I finding contentment? In the same place that Paul did — in God, who gives me strength and through whom I can do all things. I’m finding contentment in the relationships he’s given me, the beauty of the countryside, the peace of the lake in the morning, the light of understanding on a student’s face, the excitement of trying something new, the sweetness of a chocolate peanut butter ball that Michelle’s made, the joy of singing Christmas carols with friends, the laughter that comes so often, and most of all from the realization that God is with me in every situation.