This has been a long winter.But I can't bring myself to complain about it. There's something I want more than spring, something that can't be procured through any outside source.
It's contentment.
I read an excellent book* on contentment one time (or two times, or three times), and the one thing that has never left my mind is the story of a missionary in Africa, who had to take her outdoor thermometer into her hut when the temperature reached 110 degrees, because any higher temperatures would cause it to start melting.
She had no air conditioning, no fan. Nothing to comfort her as she tried to sleep at night.
After she died, her daughter found a journal her mom had kept during her years in those conditions. One of the entries was about what her missionary mom had learned regarding how to develop and maintain contentment.
The one point I can't ever get out of my mind is, "Never complain. About Anything. Not even the weather."
I've been doing my best to practice this ever since. It just spoke to me!
Today, LM told me his buddy had started a protest against winter. LM thought it was funny, and I probably would have, too, at his age. But, though I wouldn't expect a sixth grade boy to be in the same frame of mind as me, and I don't think anything negative toward LM's comrade, it didn't strike me as funny.
"I guess he wasn't thinking about the fact that winter days are what God has given us for now, and He wants us to give thanks instead of complaining," I answered gently, rinsing out a glass in the sink.
"That's true, but it was still kind of funny," LM replied.
I completely understand what he's saying. He's eleven.
But I've come to understand what that dear missionary woman understood. I don't live by it perfectly by any means, but it's a part of me now.
Contentment doesn't keep company with complaint. Gratitude nurtures contentment. Contentment does not equal getting my own way.
Contentment is far superior to getting my own way.
So, I want contentment more than I want my own way. Sometimes, anyway.
Therefore, I won't wish winter away. I will anticipate spring and happily embrace it when it arrives. But, I'm okay for now! :)
 |
| *Click here for purchase info. |
1 comment:
I love this post. This is an area in my own heart, that God has been working on for the past few years and really illuminating what a sin it is to complain. I didn't realize how much I complained until God kindly started causing me to become more aware of it. I still have a ways to go...taking those thoughts captive and not allowing them to breed and grow in my mind, but to find something to give thanks to God for instead of voicing a complaint. Thanks for sharing. Love that story. :)
Post a Comment