“I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)
My wife’s paternal grandmother was an amazing woman. I miss her but I am grateful for one of life’s major lessons that she handed down to me.
She was born into poverty in the Appalachian foothills in North Carolina. She married at the tender age of 14 and raised five children, all of whom were also born into poverty. On Christmas morning, their stockings, old socks, were filled with fruit and nuts. Her youngest child, my father in-law, speaks fondly of those Christmases past. It points out that it’s not what we give, but what we have that makes Christmas special.
She raised her children to be grateful – to appreciate the blessings on life, many of which do not show up in our financial statements.
As I got to know her better, I realized how much she sacrificed to be the wife and mother she felt God called her to be. One evening, she shared her love of poetry with me and recited a poem she wrote as a little girl. It was beautiful and showed her real genius. It was at that moment that I realized she had a tremendous gift she gave up for her family. Yet, she was content.
Christmas is over and our thoughts turn to the New Year. One of our top resolutions will be to enjoy life more. Yet, we’ll likely spend 2015 working to fulfill our dreams to have more – a new home, a new car, a new gadget. The older I get, the more I realize how much time we waste chasing what we don’t need rather than focusing on what we already have.
As we go through life, the Apostle Paul told us we would journey through times where we have plenty and experience periods where we have little. In his letter to his friend, a young pastor, he mentions that people associate godliness as a means of gain. (1 Timothy 6:5) Godliness, as my wife’s grandmother taught me has nothing to do with riches. And Paul agrees:
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6: 6-10)
While you’re finalizing your New Year’s resolution, let me suggest that you earnestly add to the list that 2015 might be the year where you find true contentment. In the very same chapter where Paul said he is content (and we should be content, too), he promises, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
My prayer for all of you is that 2015 will be a year of peace and contentment.
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