One Last Word on Contentment (a.k.a., The Joy of Contentment Part 3)

Crazy as this may sound, I have been working on seven different blog posts, which might explain why I have not been able to get a single one typed out here. Ha, ha. But, in an effort to whittle down the list, here is one last quick word (in two points) on contentment.

1. In a recent edition of Parenting magazine (July 2010), a 4-year-old girl was asked whether her pet would rather be a person. The wise child responded, "He is used to being a guinea pig. You are supposed to like what you are and not want to be something else." How interesting that a 4-year-old girl can figure out something with which most adults continue to struggle. If only we could fully, gladly embrace what and how God has created us to be!

2. I recently received an e-mail from a popular retail store known for its eclectic, international merchandise. The subject line read, "Gimme, gimme, gimme! I need! I need!" Because I am always thinking of a new blog post idea (hence the seven posts mentioned above), I could not resist viewing the content of the e-mail, you know, to verify the authenticity of the subject line. (I would never think I actually needed something from this store. Ha, ha.) The content was just what I expected: the usual presentation of various pillows, scented candles, and decor items. What struck me about the subject line was the blatant marketing strategy. The company was directly feeding thoughts into the readers/customers minds. And don't you know that Satan works the same way? If he cannot tempt you with enticing presentations, planting the seeds of discontent, he will begin feeding you the thoughts outright, much like transplanting grown plants. The primary need for a plant to thrive following transplanting is good soil. Is your mind good soil for those thoughts of discontent? Or are you allowing your mind to be transformed by God's Word (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 5:26)?

So, that's it. Time to cross another topic of the list!