Contentment
Contentment can be described as a state of happiness and satisfaction. How can we learn to be content with ourselves, our accomplishments and our current situation? Oftentimes it is a matter of perspective and as my wonderful mother always used to remind me, there are plenty of other people in our communities that are worse off than me.
Contentment can be learnt through a disciplined mindset of gratefulness. On a school trip to Papua New Guinea about one year ago, our students commented on how happy the young children in villages were despite their apparent lack of worldly possessions. They had very little clothing, books, pencils, anything electronic, no refrigerator and the games they played were done with sticks and coconuts (no balls were available). Their laughter and joyful wonder at the small gifts such as balls, stickers and face painting were indeed humbling. This was a great learning opportunity for our students about what is actually important in life and we clearly discovered that having more “things or expensive toys” is not the answer.
Of course, we know that anxiety, stress and fear of the future or unknown can also negatively impact our state of contentment. Guilt, shame and disappointment are also significant contenders to reduce our state of happiness and satisfaction. But there is hope and good news.
Matthew 6:25 reminds us that we do not need to endure anxious feelings.
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"
Contentment comes from being secure in who you are. Your physical appearance, your personality, talents and your short comings can cause you concern, however the Bible makes it very clear that God loves you just as you are and that He is committed to you.
Hebrews 13:5 says "Keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have."
It is good that we remind ourselves that God says, “I will never leave you or forsake you”. Our lives are far too short to waste anxious energy on things that are temporary and that don’t add value to our lives or to others. One personal question to ask is, “If this was your last day on earth what would you do differently?” It’s likely that whatever you choose, it will probably have something to do with making every moment count. So, don’t worry about the little things.
Contentment can also be developed by having an attitude of giving and serving others. Christmas is on its way and this can be a good time to think of how to give towards others without the expectation of receiving anything back. Contentment does not come from being comfortable or by being rich or some type of superstar but by knowing that you are loved and appreciated for who you are. Practice being grateful for the small things that you have and you are on the way to feeling content.
Julian Van Tienen
Head of Junior School
