You do understand that content and complacent are not the same thing? Complacent, in my world, is something to be avoided at all cost. But have you learned to be content in all situations? I haven’t. I do work on this but I’m definitely not there. From a different perspective, do you live your life grateful? Regardless of your circumstances, are you grateful for who you are, who populates your world, where you are on your life’s journey? I’m not convinced that we can live contented if we aren’t simultaneously grateful.
When I read about Paul’s life and all that he encountered and endured and then read his words in Philippians 4:10-13 that he has learned to be content. How?! It really isn’t the easiest state to attain. However, in reading on he says (vs 13): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That’s his bottom line. And it is something which I do strive to imitate. But, not there yet.
Perhaps the problem is the definition of the word ‘content’. I think even Webster has difficulty defining the word. As I said earlier, content is not complacent. Content is an action word not passive. Webster indicates that content means satisfied, pleased, gratified. Perhaps. Content in my world of definitions means accepting the condition as it is now but with the realization that it may not continue. Nor may you want it to. Content is the base from which you start.
As for grateful… this is a strong word and Webster only uses simpering (my interpretation) words to define it: appreciative, pleasing. Yes those do define grateful but it is also so much more. Grateful spills over into all areas of one’s life. Just think of all the emotions you can’t express if you’re grateful and all the emotions that spill out of you that are expressed. Can’s in this case are the opposites of the can’ts. Grateful is the foundation for content.
