contentment

(be happy with what you have)

Most sources agree that there are seven ways for a batter to reach first base in a baseball game. There is only one among them that takes no active participation from the batter. Being hit by a pitch requires only the fortitude to not move out of the way as the ball moves ever closer. Take your lumps and take your base.

It’s interesting to see the diverse reactions that result. A player mired in a protracted slump is grateful to get on base. A player who just hit a homerun is incensed because he feels it’s an intentional act of retaliation. Each is rewarded…but only one is pleased.

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” 1 Timothy 6:7-8

It’s interesting to see how circumstances change the way we view blessings in our own lives. To the person who is truly hungry a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is heavenly. To the discontented person it’s all that’s left in the pantry. To the homeless person a coat is the only thing between him and pneumonia. To the discontented person it’s last year’s ugly style. To the single mother the car is paid for. To the discontented person it’s too old, too slow and too rusty.

Where do you fall on this continuum? Can you find contentment sooner than later? I pray that we all can be pleased with our reward.

Thanks for all you do.

Brian

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Volume 6, Number 18