March 11, 2022

Role Model for Contentment

Read 1 Timothy 6:6-7

My father, Ralph, was a role model for me in so many ways. Some of the key attributes he demonstrated included hard work, patience, love of God, and love of family.

The one characteristic that I admire most about him is possibly the hardest one to emulate. That is being content. Ralph had the ability to be content with and find value in the basics. He liked a good meal, enjoyed being around family, reading, and making projects from wood. I remember at annual Christmas Eve gatherings he was always on the periphery of the present opening, observing with a grin and taking it all in with gratitude. The gift of us being together was all he really needed.

To be content is not to say one is without goals or aspirations. It seems to me that it is the ability to be true to oneself, accept who you are, not be envious of others, and do the best you can with what God has given you. My dad demonstrated those characteristics always.

Of course there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; For we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing we will be content with these.

Nancy Grose