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 The gift of contentment
As I pondered the title of this year’s “gift” column, the word that kept hitting home was contentment. My 80-something mother-in-law came to this country as a young toddler, with parents, siblings and a suitcase. She now reviews her life story with a thankful heart, content to share what she has with others in need: her health, her wealth, her wisdom and her cookies! “When you have enough, the basics, it is good to be content,” is the gist of what Mom Froese believes. I asked a few other farmers this season about what they would say about contentment. One fellow had tears well up as he awaits the surgeon’s report. Others just shrugged their shoulders and said, “It’s been a tough year … 50 years of work is now in jeopardy.” Circumstances may be critical, yet God is still in control. Is this a key to being content no matter what life crisis tries to crush you? This season marks a celebration of the birth of a savior. Jesus came to give us the gift of salvation and the hope of eternal life. Being content during this season calls us to reflect and cherish the spiritual gift we can choose to open. We each have the chance to accept and open up a vital dynamic relationship with God for our lives, for the present, and for our eternal well-being. In God’s word, the Bible, Paul writes to the Philippians about contentment: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what is it to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13. NIV) Wow … what a gift! There might not have been a new Christmas dress this year or a holiday trip or the hockey stuff. The gifts under the tree might have been letters of love, thankfulness and affirmation. It might have been a cup of tea shared in a spirit of friendship and caring with a neighbor. Contentment to celebrate in a different way may move Dad to build a snow pile for the kids or a backyard ice rink. Mom might rearrange the furniture and dig to the back of the attic or closet for long-forgotten treasures that need new light and perspective. Some gifts may be a family heirloom or book that needs to be passed along to the next generation. The kids might want to challenge Grandpa to a game of crokinole or cards. “Relationships, not achievements or the acquisition of things, are what matter most in life,” says Rick Warren, author of the hot Christian book Purpose Driven Life (Zondervan, 2002). I agree. We can be content with what we have and not worry. (Matthew 6:25-35) We can be content because God will never leave us no matter how tough the situation is. (Hebrews 13:5-6) Those of us who revere the Lord will never lack any good thing. (Psalm 34:9) Bake cookies and decorate them together. Go skating, sledding, trail riding, skiing or walking. Look up ! Share memories around a scrapbook, photo album or family history book. Tell stories. Build an outdoor bonfire and roast wieners. Laugh lots. Find a puzzle to work on. You have many tools and resources in your home to be content. Keep the Wish Book on the shelf this year. Open the good book and be content in going God’s way. Elaine Froese encourages farm families as a speaker and certified coach at Boissevain, Man. Elaine Froese is a Certified Farm Family Coach™ who farms near Boissevain MB. She helps family get unstuck and talk about tough issues for a better future. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors www.cafanet.com. Call toll-free 1-866-848-8311 or email elaine@elainefroese.com Note: You are welcome to reprint or repost any articles on this website with the understanding that
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The Sears Christmas Wish Book arrived during harvest, but the kids didn’t think of asking for it until Thanksgiving weekend! The season for celebrating the birth of Jesus draws families and friends together. It also creates a lot of tension and worry when folks are overwhelmed with trying to please the wants and wishes of others.