The Secret of Contentment

 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. (1 Timothy 6:6)

My husband and I are blessed to still have both of our fathers. Mical’s dad will be one hundred this year and mine is fast approaching that age.

We recently had the pleasure of my father spending a week with us. Last night, as Mical and I sat in the courtyard, we reflected on their lives. 

They both have sharp, quick minds. They love the Lord and if you spend ten minutes with them, they will tell you so. We were reminded of how few their needs are now. With a good meal and clean clothes, they’re happy as clams.

That wasn’t the case when they were younger. Raising their families, they worried and fretted over money and how to keep us all fed. Somehow, everything worked out, and none of us starved. (To the contrary, most of us are overweight.)

I pondered the advice of an older man to his son. Paul said to Timothy,
Godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

In the frustrations and busyness of life, we can lose sight of the important. As dusk fell, and the scorching August heat abated, Mical and I recommitted ourselves to the grace of contentment. An amazing thing happened next. The peace of God descended and enfolded us. Whispering across the centuries, I heard Paul's voice again.

 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.