Contentment

"Let me, if I may, be ever welcomed to my room in winter by a glowing hearth, in summer by a vase of flowers; if I may not, let me think how nice they would be, and bury myself in my work. I do not think that the road to contentment lies in despising what we have not got. Let us acknowledge all good, all delight that the world holds, and be content without it." George MacDonald

The world is obsessed with possession. All the pretty and beautiful things of the world were not meant to be owned. We were put here as stewards. "Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:" Psalm 8:6 Man was made to possess, but once again we tainted the TRUE INTENT!

Control and possession over things of this world increases our ego and self-worth. We seek these inanimate objects to give us value and meaning. Driven to collect and consume as much as possible. The thought that contentment and fulfillment will be found when we gather enough unto us. The beautiful things of this world were never meant for that intent. They were meant to enhance. Give us quality of life. Allow us to enjoy this world. To give us a reminder. A reminder of something to come.

We also might try to possess these beautiful things as an antidote. An antidote for the ugliness inside our hearts. By surrounding ourselves with beauty, we will forget the ugliness and selfishness that resides inside our hearts. Bad news, sports fans. We cannot cure our ill this way. We must stop lying to ourselves. Distraction is not an answer or cure for the disease inside. Contentment will not be found in this manner.

God's beauty is reflected in this world. His diversity and awe-inspiring magnificence. We cannot conquer and collect His reflection. Not in said manner. When He resides in our heart, THIS is the only way we can collect his reflection. It is not a collection, though! It is a submission, then a granting of His beauty is placed in our hearts. A beauty that our heart has been and always will be desiring. This is the contentment that we have been seeking. A cure for the illness that is deep within our bones. An otherworldly delight place inside of us.

It is only by this occurrance that we will be given the means to find contentment. To not feel the need to own and possess everything in this world, for we have everything-we have the One in us that created all this beauty! What more could give us a sense of peace? Fulfillment? Do not despise having a physical representation that leads to the road of contentment, but be content in His representation that produces a physical change in your heart!!

kenny