Contentment may be defined as being satisfied with what one has and not wanting anything else.  The picture on this blog post is Arielle after a meal of macaroni and cheese along with a blueberry pancake from my plate – now that’s a picture of contentment!

Why does contentment seem so illusive at times?  A major reason is that we think that contentment is getting what we want rather than being satisfied with what we have.  The person is rich who is satisfied with what he or she has.  The Apostle Paul gives us a good perspective on contentment,

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.  (Philippians 4:11-12)

It’s been said if you want to test a man then see how he handles prosperity – Paul however, was content in any type of circumstances!  How could he respond like this?  The reason is his foundation was secure – Christ was at the center of his life and he knew there was nothing he needed.  George Moore wrote, “A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.”  

 How would you evaluate your level of contentment?