They Call Her Content

She was a fairly non-descript woman, dressed in varying shades of gray linen. She was neither short nor tall, thin nor heavy. She walked at a sauntering pace, easily blending in amongst the hustle and bustle of 21^st century modern life. She never expressed joy, sorrow, excitement or anger. She needed nothing, asked for nothing, expected nothing…and gained nothing.

Her name was Content.

For years, this was the way I viewed being “content;” as a middle-aged woman, barely reaching average, never taking risks, simply seeking only what’s necessary to live, nothing more.

While I desired happiness, I mistakenly figured contentment didn’t equate to happiness. To me, content required a “settle for” attitude. Settling for a life void of risk and, therefore, settling for mediocrity.

Being content was fine for others, but I was a risk taker. Standing on the edge of a cliff, facing fears, and seeking the extraordinary. I strived for the highest of highs, which meant also experiencing the lowest of lows.

While in the midst of the lows, I sometimes yearned for Content to enter my life once again. Where was that non-descript, average woman who was completely satisfied?

As I tumble down from my mountaintops, towards the depths of the valleys, God is always keen to remind me to rely on His Word. He has been quite patient as this is a lesson which requires teaching time and time again.

In a recent experience, God brought me back to that all-familiar scripture, where Paul is thanking the church of Philippi for their concern over him:

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

We all have varying degrees of joy and sorrow. While we strive for happiness, Paul tells us there is one thing we should seek instead – contentment. Being content in all circumstances whether filled or hungry, abased or in abundance.

Our lives are made up of thousands of moments. These moments can be happy or sorrowful, and each moment fades. But contentment can last a lifetime.

This time, I get it. My view of Content has radically changed. I realize she is dressed in gray so that the beautiful blues and yellows of the sun-filled sky, whites and grays of rain-soaked clouds, and greens of the dew-touched grass can all shine without interference from her natural beauty. She is not merely sauntering, but instead is gliding gracefully along her path. While she appears to be emotionless, her joy is in Christ alone.

She needs nothing because she is Content.

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

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:45 NIV