#40 Contentment. Thoughts from the Back Deck...

We are down a vehicle. Our vehicle is in the shop for a new transmission (3rd one! That is another story altogether!). As the auto unions are on strike, we have been told there is no idea of when it will be fixed. No parts for the foreseeable future. We wait in limbo. I want a "new" vehicle. I want a reliable vehicle. 

Contentment. Living contentment out can be tough! 

Ads on the internet, social media, TV, billboards, shops, and shopping malls have the best of the best products in the windows when you walk by. All things are marketed to grab your attention and scream "Buy me!" 

Go to Wawa or Racetrac for gas. Step in to pay and you will be assaulted with counters and racks full of things screaming "You need me! Buy! Spend! You are thirsty! You are hungry! You need a $4.00 piece of beef jerky and a $3 water!"

That is the little stuff and yes it adds up but the big stuff that we see our friends or neighbors with, that is killer! The new car. The bigger home. The cabin off the beaten path. A boat and a 4-wheeler? A blessing? Sure! Certainly very cool to have those things. But also...
A curse if jealousy or envy creeps in. 

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Nice to have "things" but "things" will not keep you happy.

"Things" don't save your marriage or help you raise your kids in faith. 

"Things" don't last. 

Jesus lasts. Jesus is eternal. Jesus brings meaning and life and will always be with you no matter what life brings. Jesus brings contentment and focus on what is most important as he helps us see eternity. 

Peace Out,
Andy

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