Sunday Thoughts...

 Contentment...

Check out the stitchery about her head...

     I saw my dog this morning sleeping on top of a pile of pillows.  She did struggle to get there, but she quickly fell asleep and was content.  Even though it was hard to get there, she was satisfied.  Fuzzy blanket, dog pillow, or pile of pillows- it was all good. We provided, she was satisfied.  
     
     I point this devotional at me.  I post pictures of little goodies I find.  Am I content with what I have?  What drives me? I have learned to get rid of stuff to balance the new, but seeing others blogs, and their satisfaction with less and not accumulations makes me reflective about myself. Is my aim to create a cozy home or to be surrounded by stuff?  I struggle with posting purchases I find. Why do I do it?  What am I sharing?  

     There are those who cannot decorate their home because of lost jobs or just making ends meet.  There are our dear friends who have lost all through hurricanes and floods. Could the money I spend to feather my nest restore the homes of others?  I apologize for my "bragging" of goodies I find.  I need to look inside of my heart to see what purpose it serves to share. Just thoughts I was throwing around in my head. I would love to hear your thoughts...

This devotional is from "Our Daily Bread" published for October 2, 2012...

 Philippians 4:11

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content."

Contentment is hard to attain. Even the apostle Paul, a hero of the faith, had to learn to be content (Phil. 4:11). It was not a natural character trait for him.

For Paul to write that he was content in every situation is truly amazing. At the time of this writing, he was in jail in Rome. Charged with sedition, treason, and other serious crimes, he had appealed to the highest court: Caesar himself. Without other legal recourse and friends in high places, he had to wait for his case to be heard. It seems as if Paul had the right to be an impatient and unhappy person. 

Instead, he wrote to the Philippians to say that he had learned to be content.

How did he learn this? One step at a time until he could be satisfied even in uncomfortable environments. He learned to accept whatever came his way (v.12) and to receive with thanks whatever help fellow Christians could give (vv.14-18). And most important, he recognized that God was supplying all he needed (v.19).

Contentment is not natural for any of us. The competitive spirit in us drives us to compare, to complain, and to covet. Few of us are in a predicament such as Paul’s, but we all face difficulties in which we can learn to trust God and be content.

 

O Lord, give me the grace to be
Content with what You give to me.
No, more than that, let me rejoice
In all You send, for it’s Your choice! —Anon.

 

Contentment is not possessing everything but giving thanks for everything you possess.

 

Sunday blessings, Dear Friends!

I give thanks for your friendships!

Heather