I was recently talking to a friend, discussing the good things that have been going on in his life: close and meaningful relationships, a secure job with a salary that meets his familys needs, good health and available free time in which to explore hobbies and interests, and so on.
As we conversed about all of these good things, my friend looked at me and said, Yes, but. With those two words, the tenor of the conversation changed from a recounting of blessings to a focus on what he didnt yet have: more money, more time, better health, a better job. And with the change in focus came a change in attitude: my friend became miserable. Nothing in his life was good enough, and as he recounted his misery, I found myself tempted to join him and see my own life inadequate.
As I have reflected on this conversation and my own attitude towards my personal circumstances, I have begun to realize that all too often, I refuse the opportunity to experience joy because I am focused on something hoped for in the future rather than realized in the present. In short, I am refusing to be contented.
The word contented is a seemingly dangerous one in todays society. It suggests a lack of ambition, a willingness to settle for something below our potential, a hands-in-the-pockets laissez-faire approach to life. I would argue, rather, that the true concept of contentment requires that we choose to focus on the intrinsic joy belonging to our current situation while we remain alert to the opportunity to experience greater joy when it arises.
I recall an anecdote wherein despite his best efforts, a poor man had nothing but johnnycake to feed his family. He took the johnnycake, sat down with his family, and asked a blessing on it to the effect of, Lord, we thank thee for this johnnycake and ask that Thou will send us something better. Then they proceeded to enjoy the johnnycake together. Before their meal was over, a neighbor knocked on their door and offered them a ham and some flour. In this situation, I find that the man and his family were content to enjoy the johnnycake, recognizing that it was a blessing to have anything at all to eat and knowing that having something else was entirely out of their control. They found joy in the moment and reposed their faith and hope in God to allow them to have a more joyful moment forthwith.
To me, this is the essence of contentment. I savor the good things I have now, recognizing that better may come to me later. Without savoring the good, I would be overwhelmed with the bad (sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof, after all). By choosing to focus on the good, I have the strength to hope for a better day and to share my joy with those around me. Joy is as infectious as misery, but much more palatable to the soul. We are meant to be joyful. So choose to be contented and thereby joyful. What happens next may surprise you.
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