Tag: contentment

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Content and Hopeful

I was bouncing around considering what I could post about today – as there are finally several thoughts in one once thoughtless brain. Well, I am probably still thoughtless most of the time.
Anyway, I have posted lots about work this week, and making it fun – but one of the then that I have struggled with this week, as many of us do if finding the place of contentment. So, I was bouncing through some places this morning and I stopped here at the 131 psalm. It simple, yet complicated, but I think it is a nice prayer for simplicity, contentment and hope.

1 My heart is not proud, LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.

3 Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore. Psalm 131 (New International Version, ©2010)

That is where I am trying to be as far as approaching things in this little life – having fun, being content and sharing the hope with love. Now, if we can master that. What do you think?

1God, I’m not trying to rule the roost, I don’t want to be king of the mountain.
I haven’t meddled where I have no business
or fantasized grandiose plans.

2 I’ve kept my feet on the ground,
I’ve cultivated a quiet heart.
Like a baby content in its mother’s arms,
my soul is a baby content.

3 Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope.
;Hope now; hope always! (Psalm 131, The Message)

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A Child’s View

I found this video title “One Child’s Most Exciting Day” whilst on my normal search for information and ideas on the World Wide Web earlier this week.  I have spent parts of the last two days thinking about it.  You will need to watch it to get the full picture, but essentially in this German ( I think) video about poverty, a child is asked to describe his most exciting day.  As he describes visiting castles, eating feasts and sailing on boats, the images show he and his mother, at the unemployment office, at the food bank and in the washateria.

I have not been able to rationalize whether the video paints the child and his position in poverty in a positive or negative light.  It seems to suggest that he is hiding the pain by telling a story, but I am not sure.  I wonder if he has become content in his world, oblivious, or at least not dwelling in, his humble position in life.  I can’t help but to think this is a good image of what our Lord says when he tells us to have “faith like a child”, and when he instructs us to be humble and content in all things.

3And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 18:3-4 (New International Version)

This child took a day that to an adult could be rather humiliating, boring, and mundane and turns it in a day full of adventure, excitement and promise.   hm..

Take one minute today or this weekend to watch this video.  Think about this boy’s perspective on life, and think about your own.

I don’t think I have fully grasped the complete message that is delivered in this 69 second spot, as my sub conscious continues to mull it over.  But I do see that our attitude and viewpoint can make even the hardest day better.   Enjoy Friday, enjoy the weekend, and find adventure and excitement in all your undertakings.

11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I 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. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.   Philippians 4:11-13 (New International Version)

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Bring it Monday

Well, Its Monday,  and I with the way this one started, I definitely can relate to Garfield.  Last night, we came home to the realization that what was left of the homework was just a tad bit ( try 4 hours tab bit) more then what we were led to believe was left.  Add on top of that a production issue at the ol’ office, the guy that might be able to fix it sleeping in bed 5 time zones ahead and a body that just wanted to go to sleep and what you have is a Monday morning that no one wanted to see arrive!  So at 2am I was still awake,  trying to figure out how to make a HP Laser Jet print duplex with Windows 7.  (Which I did figure out  – finally!)

So it was only natural that this morning I climbed back into the comfy bed 3 different times before finally deciding that that would not do, and I had to take on the day.

Actually, it was during these “snooze” periods that I pondered my options.  I could use the excuse that I am tired, that I was up late, to make the day miserable on those around me.  I could choose to hate the day, to be grouchy and to take my temporary discomfort out on the world.  OR, I could choose to look at my blessings.  I have Windows7, a Color Laser Printer, and the brain to be able to fix it.  I had friends to help me with the production problem at work, and I knew that my Irish friend would tackle this issue with gusto when he arose.  And I am blessed with a smart child, that, despite his procrastination (which he genetically acquired from me I think), has numerous talents and incredible creativity.    So I sprang from my bed, make breakfast for the boys, and hit the road for a little 3 mile run,  realizing the gift that contentment really is.

6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (New International Version)

So with that I say Bring It Monday.