My mother used to quote this line to us taken from the spirit of Philippians 4:11: "Wherever you find yourself therein be content." But the overarching message was to make better choices and change perspectives in order to be so; the direct message that came through loud and clear was that some things you cannot change right away but work very hard in smart consistent ways to be a better person every day. (Find contentment.) She did this through love and kindness (and she was tough too; believe me!), teaching us balance by how she lived her life everyday in the choices she made and the words she spoke. Words mattered a lot to her. She was self-confident and humble.
Being content means not desiring that which is another's; it's finding your own balance. We need not desire the qualities or things of another. (As the Apostle Paul said, "All things are yours.") I, for one, never have such a desire, whether physical, emotional, intellectual or spiritual. I am forever pleased with me and work daily to be the best person I can be. Appreciating, honoring, and respecting others is very important through acknowledgment and deference. But I never see myself as desirous of another. The very thought of desiring what is another's may indeed spur greed, conflict, depression, the lack of self-worth, obesity, anorexia, addition and compulsion.
(The thoughts here came from a great discussion on Tom Peters' blog. Check out the post and comments. You may find them interesting.)
2 comments:
Through contentment, bring happiness to the individual otherwise he will be entering into the unhealthy "compare and compete" race.
Peace and grace to you.
That's a good point, James. May peace and grace also be with you.
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