Content, No Matter What . . .

Philippians 4:11
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Pastor Wallace tells the story of his friend, Frank, who works hard all his life and has done well financially.  With retirement nearing, Frank and his wife, Mary, decide to build their dream home in the North Georgia mountains.  They invite Wallace to visit when the construction is complete and they're settled in.

Wallace can't believe his eyes.  Constructed from finished logs, this luxury "cabin" has five bedrooms, five baths, a two-car garage, full basement, hot-tub, a gourmet kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances, a wrap-around deck, and a view to die for.

"I'm really impressed, Frank," Wallace tells him after completing the grand tour.  "And, I'm happy that Mary and you have this grand place to live out your retirement."

"It's our dream home, that's for sure," Frank admits, "something we've always wanted.  We're enjoying every minute living here.  Can't imagine living anywhere else."

A year later, Wallace receives a call from an ecstatic Frank.

"Pastor, I just had to share the good news!  We've just bought two acres on top of a nearby mountain, and we're building a bigger and better house than this one here."

"Really?"  Wallace is confused.  "But, I thought the house you have now is your dream home?"

"Not anymore," Frank confesses.  "The new one is what I like to call our dream-dream home.  "We'll have you over as soon as we've moved in."

True to his word, Frank invites Wallace to the new house.  Eight bedrooms, eight baths, a full garden, five-car garage, and every amenity one could possibly desire.  And, the view?  Immeasurably breathtaking!

While he keeps his thoughts to himself, Pastor Wallace can't help but wonder what two people need with all this space, not to mention the upkeep of rooms and grounds.  Why did they grow discontented with their original retirement home?  Wasn't it enough?

~

Frank and Mary are typical of so many people in our day and time.  They are under the illusion that acquiring material possessions will bring contentment and happiness to their lives.  I like to call it the "If-I-Only-Had" syndrome.  "If I only had (you fill in the blank), I'd be happy."

We hear that so often, don't we?  And, perhaps, like Frank and Mary, we are guilty of saying it ourselves.  But, true happiness, joy, and contentment cannot be found in things.

They are found in our hearts.

Hearts which beat with confidence in the love God has for us.  Hearts which know that in all times and in all places, the Lord is in control.  Hearts filled with peace no matter what life sends our way.

Trusting in God's promises.

Content, no matter what . . .

~

Has your heart found true contentment?

Will you join me in prayer?

As we celebrate and look forward to the New Year, Father, we pray to be content in our hearts, knowing how much You love us and care for us.  May we ever rest in that knowledge, no matter what this year has in store.  Amen.