The Secret of Contentment

Philippians 4:10-13
 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

We are currently on vacation. We are out of the normal in's and outs of life. I slept in this morning until 6:00 am. I went downstairs to make a pot of coffee. By the time I sat down, and sent off the memory verses to my kids via email, and our meditation verse of the day; my son and wife woke up. In Philippians 4:13, Paul is saying that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. And in the context of the "all things," he is speaking of contentment. He has learned the secret of being content in all circumstances. The secret is "through Christ."

As I pondered that verse as I was changing diapers. I was asking myself if I had learned the secret. I had not gotten my normal amount of time to be with the Lord and His Word, and was I content with that?

I am currently sitting in the front seat of our van as my wife nurses our infant in the back (we are parked). 30 minutes has now passed. We went into the mall to buy something for my wife, and now I am sitting in another parking lot as my wife is in Target. Have I learned the secret of being content yet? I believe that I am growing toward that. These moments I have had to type are really the first spare moments of my day this far.  Oh, we all need to learn more and more, the secret of contentment.