“But godliness with contentment is great gain—1 Timothy 6:6(NIV).
Growing up in the lazy, humid days of a Louisiana summer, we found ways to entertain ourselves outside. We didn’t have air conditioning—just attic fans. We didn’t spend our time indoors with our noses glued to a black and white TV screen.
From dawn to dusk, we were riding our bicycles up and down the sidewalks. We’d filch some of our mother’s wooden clothespins, and with an incomplete deck of playing cards, we’d attach them to our bike’s spokes to rev up the sound of wheels whirring across the concrete.
But that wasn’t the extent of our imaginative days spent in the hot sun. We roller skated on those hot sidewalks, going faster and faster, attempting to jump as many squares as possible before succumbing to a fall and skinned knees. Our bodies spent most of the day in motion.
Slowing Down for Rest
Even when we stopped to rest and refuel our thirst from the water hose, our imagination would often lead us to the shade where we’d weave chains from the long stems of the clover flowers. Sometimes, we’d race to see who could make the longest chains before one of the fragile stems broke.
When we grew tired of chain weaving, our imaginations would often lead to storytelling. Who could make up the best tale? Would it be a mystery? A Sci-Fi tale complete with aliens? Maybe, a tale set in the Old West?
We were content to wile away our summer days, using our own resources to interact, entertain and grow. Those were pleasant days—although not without an occasional spat between neighborhood kids. However, we did look out for each other. And, we were contented.
The Source of Contentment
Are people less content in today’s culture? Proverbs 31 Ministry Speaker, Karen Ehman, author of “Listen, Love, Repeat,” thinks so. I agree. It’s called “self”-absorption.
“Our culture is self-obsessed—in our schedules, relationships, and especially online. (Can you say selfie?) But in this near-narcissism, people are less content than in decades past. Why? Because we forgot the joy that comes from putting others first,” says Ehman.
This self-obsession is evident in social media as well as our daily lives. Observe the number of people with noses buried in their cell phones. We don’t interact or notice the needs of others.
Looking to the Needs of Others
I recall a childhood incident when one of our younger neighbors was severely injured in a serious bicycle accident. We gathered around him, providing reassurance and encouragement until his parents arrived.
The parents of four Oklahoma teenagers should be proud of their sons’ recent unselfish act. The boys, ages 14-17, ran to a 90-year-old neighbor’s aid when they saw flames shooting from her house. The boys didn’t hesitate but jumped into action.
One boy called 911 while another began breaking down the women’s front door. Another ran next door to seek help while the youngest of the three kicked in the back door and carried the frail woman to safety. They remembered the true meaning of life—to serve others.
Serving Others Brings True Contentment
Serving others is God’s plan for our lives. It’s not about amassing wealth or focusing on our agendas. It’s not about self-promotion.
1 Corinthians 10:24 is a reminder. “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor (ESV).
True contentment is found in service to others, not ourselves. Let our focus be on where we can help others. That’s God’s plan for us.
You’ve written such an inspiring post. The rich historical details in your opening paragraphs sent me right back to my own childhood. Your stories about helping those in need reminded me of the importance of doing the same myself. Your application at the end about helping others according to God’s plan, well, those words just went right to my heart and felt so good. Thanks for your lovely message.
Thank you, Linda! I appreciate your stopping by to read my post and leave a comment. You made my day!
Carol, I enjoyed your childhood memories. Made me smile and remember mine, as well. I also believe we’ve lost our sense of contentment. Too much is pulling at our attention in today’s world. I know I’m too wrapped up with either my phone or wanting to write. Need to think of others. Thank you!
Thank you, Janetta. I appreciate your stopping by to read and leave a comment on my post. You are so right about all of the things fighting for our attention. I have a love/hate relationship with technology. I long for the simpler times of my childhood. I am glad my grown sons recognize that and put limits on their children’s tech use, encouraging them to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.
Carol,
I seem to very often return to the subject of contentment. God leads me more and more to see the power of contentment. I’m longing for life to be increasingly simple.
Love your writing as always!
I understand, Lynn. Life is so complicated today. Technology is a blessing and a curse as far as stealing our time away from HIM and our families if we allow it. Thank you for stopping by to read my post and leaving a comment. Have a blessed day!
Beautiful post. Serving others is a blessing to them and to us. I recall the days of clothespins attached to cards on my bicycle wheels. Staying outside from morning to dusk, precious memories of childhood. 🙂
Yes, you are so right, Melissa. I think the giver or the one doing the blessing is even more blessed than the receiver. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment on my post. Have a blessed day!