Contentment and happiness
I often get so caught up in my projects and ideas, that I start thinking about them all the time. This is usually a good thing – it helps me to work hard and reach my goals.
However, sometimes it gets so much that I stop enjoying what I’m doing. When this happens I know that I have to stop, take a step back, and listen to what my heart is telling me.
I was reminded of this today when I read a short post by Nate David Scott that only contained this verse:
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 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.
What is better than to be content with what you have, and happy in your heart? No achievements, possessions, or status symbols will ever compare to that!
July 2nd, 2008 at 09:38 pm
Good post!
You’re right, sometimes I have to take a step back too because I get so involved in the details that I lose the big picture. It’s like the sculptor who patiently chisels at one part but forgets how the sculpture is supposed to look!
I also feel that contentment is one of the highest forms of happiness. But I believe that gratitude is a better form of contentment.
Watch “A Good Day” with Brother David Steindl-Rast.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2478811964073014484
I recommend keeping a gratitude journal for 30 days. Take some time to just relax and write down maybe 20 things you’re grateful for that happened today. I guarantee that you will never feel happier in your whole life.
have a good day
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Kedar, that’s a very inspiring video. Thank-you for the link.
You’re right, being thankful and humble brings happiness.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:31 pm
i was talking with a girl the other day that is in her twenties and she was complaining about how she wished on her birthday something would just pop out of her cake and say HERE IS YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE. i told her that yes your 20′s can be complicated but as soon as you hit 30 it is like you become more comfortable and content with you life.
paul said this while he was in prison in Rome.
philippians 4:12- 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.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:23 am
thanks for the encouraging words jamie, and the scripture.
i don’t know if contentment has that much to do with purpose though.
i found a lot of freedom when i realized that the basic purpose of all humans are to bring glory to God, and to love Him and other people, and that “what i achieve” and “what i do with my life” is not all that important.
for me contentment is more something that i have to find on a regular basis; it’s something i have to keep reminding myself of. like remembering to be thankful, and humble, and remembering that all Earthly things are futile (Eccl 1).
something else i just though of… i’ve also met some people (not all) a bit older who claim they are content and happy with their lives, but they were doing borderline (or even outright) dodgy things to make money – things that are not in the best interest of other people.
but how can such people really be content in their hearts? they must be simply fooling themselves, or have given up, or have started to believe that “that’s just the way life is”.
July 3rd, 2008 at 08:52 pm
i agree that contentment is something that you need to remind yourself of but i do believe that once you have figured out your purpose it can cause contentment. content is to be satisfied.to know that my purpose in life is to glorify God makes me satisfied.
just wanted to let you know that some of my friends have found your blog through your comment on my blog and have added you to their favorite. so, don’t be surprised when some people from the east coast of america drop in a comment of two.
July 3rd, 2008 at 09:15 pm
and what a good reason you have to be content jamie!
looking forward to meeting the new visitors.
July 4th, 2008 at 05:23 pm
Francois, my son has cystic fibrosis (you can read more at http://nicksmom.wordpress.com) and we have had to deal with some pretty hard issues over the years. I found more contentment in my life when I realized that I could not worry about all that stuff. I just woke up one morning and was able to say “Hey ya know, God is in control. I can’t worry about this. He knows what is happening and He knows what is going to happen. I will leave it up to Him and I can’t worry about it so much anymore.” My stress level has been alot better. It is not an easy journey getting to that place and I am not completely worry free, BUT I don’t stress over the small stuff anymore. I don’t worry so much about the things I know I cannot change. I have to give it over to Him to keep my sanity. We aren’t meant to worry about things. We are here to glorify Him and allow Him to work in our lives. Contentment is a wonderful gift from God – if you allow yourself to have it. We are our worse enemies…:D