Contentment?

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ~ Philippians 4:11

I have not learned to be content. I am dreading going back to the office next week. I am so sick of where I work. I have been praying and waiting for a new job for a long time now. However, I am glad that I don't have it yet. I had plenty of sick leave accrued to take off for my surgery which I would not have had with a new job. Since we are now thinking about relocating, a new job is still several months away. But with the move, I will definitely be getting a new job. I am looking forward to it.

Abundance

The following question was in an email I received from Thrive!:

Do I have an abundance of the things I need to live comfortably?
The term "comfortable" means different things to different people. Make it a goal in your life to not aim for "enough," but to have "more than enough" of what you need -
whether it's time, money, love, space or other precious resources. When you live in abundance, you can focus more clearly on what you want. It empowers you to share yourself, your time, talent, and love more generously.

I did not like this question. I think it implies that we should be striving to increase the resources we have instead of being content with less. I do feel like I have everything I need to live comfortably, because I choose to live below my means. Sugar Pop and I were discussing houses and house payments last night because one of his co-workers is house hunting. When we bought our house, we could have qualified for a bigger house (and a bigger house payment). But because we made the decision to buy a less expensive house, we have more discretionary income to spend on other things and to be able to give more. Because we choose to limit the activities were are involved in, we have more time to spend together and with family. Because we don't have "shows" we must watch on television, we aren't tied to the television schedule. I love living simply and I want to continue to simplify my life because it frees me and enables me to be content with less.

Contentment

You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. ~ Matthew 5:5 (The Message)

Today is my 38th birthday! It is obvious to me that I am content because there is not anything I "must have" for my birthday. In fact, Sugar Pop probably won't be getting me anything because I've told him there is nothing I really want or need. Sure, there are some things that would be cool to have (a new job, a laptop, a heart rate monitor), but those aren't really things for birthday presents.

What is the reason for my contentment? Because I have finally learned (and am still learning) that the empty spot in my heart can not be filled with things - it can only be filled with God! As I grow in my relationship with Him, I become more and more content and it is a great feeling.

Dear Lord, on this my birthday, I thank you for You! That is the best gift I could ever ask for or receive.