Contentment…

A picture of my middle child who is developmentally disabled was on the front page of the newspaper.  The paper was spotlighting a local organization that helps provide programs for developmentally disabled people in our area.  My son has the most beautiful eyes and the picture of him showed him in a focused and content state, sitting and gazing through the middle of a  marble game his grandfather had built for him.  My son cannot talk and still wears a diaper, he is total care and is 22 years old.  I’ve learned so much from my son over the years and he has never spoken a word. 

In this particular situation I saw contentment in his eyes.  He was playing a game he loved and the pieces to the game consisted of some scrap wood put together by his granddad and about 10 marbles.  For the most part Jordan is always content for he knows not what the world says, thinks or does.  He simply makes the most of what he is given.

Today, I try my best to be content 24/7.  I found the key to contentment several years ago and try to stay there and when moments of discontent begin to surface I am able to define the genesis pretty quickly.  I’ve learned contentment is not about getting what I want but it is about enjoying and being grateful for what I have.  If my contentment was based on getting what I wanted then I would be discontent most of the time. 

In Philippians Paul speaks about contentment in chapter 4:11-13…”I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  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.”

God gave me my son so I could learn how to be content as discontentment almost took me to my grave.  God gave me His son so I could be content 24/7.

P.E.A.C.E.