Contentment

[kuh n-tent-muh nt]

noun

1.thestateofbeingcontented; satisfaction;easeofmind.

2.Archaic.theactofmakingcontentedlysatisfied.

(per Dictionary.com)

In today's world, contentment can be a rare feeling. It seems as if we are always wanting more of something. More money. More time. More likes. More clothes. More dogs. (Ok, maybe that one is just me.) Often times we see pictures of kids in third world countries that have very little clothes, food, and money. But they look so happy. This is amazing, yet puzzling to most of us; these kids get it. They get contentment, and like so many others, they have learned this lesson the hard way. Contentment is one of the most important lessons we can learn in life. However, this is a lesson that you choose to learn.

Being content is hard to do. It requires thinking and feeling about some pretty serious stuff, and that is something we often push to the back of our minds. When we take a step back and look at all that we have, our mindset changes. We realize that we are blessed beyond measure; and maybe, just maybe, we don't need that new thing that would make us so happy.

Matthew 6:33 says: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NIV). Our souls become content and joyful only through Jesus. Not through things, money, or likes. When we find contentment in our Father, we see that everything works out according to His perfect plan and all is in fact well with our soul. As Matthew 6:33 says, we find contentment in Him by seeking His kingdom first. This might mean giving to the less fortunate instead of buying something new for yourself. Giving to others makes us surprisingly feel content.

Humility is a byproduct of contentment. The world would be a much better place if more people were humble. I would rather have nothing and have good character, than have everything and have bad character. After all, we can't take anything to heaven with us, or as my mama would say, "You can't take it with you when you go." Contentment isn't only a lesson we can learn; but also a good, hearty feeling.