CONTENTMENT

Dear Abby,

A few years ago your mother gave me a birthday card that read "When it comes right down to it, the secret to having it all is believing that you already do!" In other words, the real gift is contentment.

Most of life's problems can be traced to discontentment. Discontented people are always looking for something that will satisfy them. They are usually whining or complaining about the situation they are in. Their lives are marked by ingratitude. Homes are turned upside down because of discontentment.

The Bible teaches us that true contentment comes by resting in the Lord. Whatever we get in life comes from His hand. We are to be grateful for whatever He gives us. A wise woman said that "Gratitude is the foundation upon which contentment is built." That gratitude is to be directed to God. There is no true contentment in this life without a relationship with Christ.

A home where there is contentment is a blessed place to live. It is a place of peace and a refuge for comfort. If one member of the family is discontent it infects everyone. Do your part in making your home a blessing to live in.

If you find that you are struggling in this area, take it to the Lord. He will give you the grace you need. Contentment is a learned trait. The sooner in life you learn it, the better off you will be. The apostle Paul went through everything imaginable for a person to go through. He said that he "learned" to be content (Phil. 4:11-13). Abby, a content woman is blessing to everyone.

May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other. I love you very much.

Grammy