Joy For All SeasonsSample

It’s the little things that make life grand, isn’t it?! So often, in my life, I have made the mistake of living for the big moments … for the red-letter days of promotions, bonuses and celebrations, when, in reality, those giant occasions are not what life is made of at all. But because the real stuff of life is as close and as dear as the morning song of the bird out my kitchen window … the companionship of my daughter on my daily run …and the treasure of reading a well-loved devotional book ... I find my life to be a rich repository of all that is good and substantive. “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) Paul reminds all of us … in every generation … to learn the contentment that is found not in achieving but in belonging. Contentment is a learned behavior and not a knee-jerk reaction to life. Contentment requires choosing … listening … processing … and submitting oneself to the miracle of an ordinary day. “ … For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” (Philippians 4:11) Perhaps living inside a regular day in which nothing of earth-moving significance happens is at the heart of all that is truly meaningful and extraordinary. The glory of life is found quite simply in the ordinary moments. The treasure of a life well lived is acquired not in getting but in giving. The substance of all that is good and rich and meaningful is found in a thousand ordinary gifts that are easily overlooked if one is not careful. Rather than looking for gold at the end of the rainbow … enjoy the rainbow. Rather than aching for your baby’s first step … enjoy his or her little arms around your neck for one more day. Rather than emphasizing the importance of performance-based living … be content with the company of those you love the most and know the best. For those things are truly the important stuff of life! Joyful Thought to Ponder: What does the word “contentment” mean to you?