Psalm 131
1 My heart is not proud, Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
3 Israel, put your hope in the Lord
both now and forevermore.
Before leaving the States and coming on the World Race, I began preparing for what I called “a life without luxury.” I weaned myself off things like shellac manicures, cell phone service and attempted to take cold showers here and there – knowing that life as I knew it was about to drastically change.
I chose to do these things, hoping to ease the transition into this new way of living. But one night, while chatting over one of my good bye dinners, my dear friend and mentor reminded me that it’s not so much about choosing to do this or that for an expected outcome but about being content no matter what the circumstance.
Now, two months into being on the Race, I am learning truly what it means to be content.
Dictionary.com defines contentment as being satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting anything more or anything else. At home, it was easy for me to claim contentment because I was satisfied with the comforts of my life. But, since I answered God’s call and stepped into a new life that is often uncomfortable, I recognize that I have more to learn about being content.
There are times when I am dissatisfied with taking cold showers, hand-washing my laundry and discarding soiled toilet paper in the trash rather than flushing it down the toilet. I miss things like having a washing machine and hot water. But, during those times when the water is so cold it takes my breath away and when my knuckles hurt from scrubbing the dirt out of my clothes on the washboard – God speaks and reminds me of the word He inspired Paul to write.
“I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with as much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” – Philippians 4:12-13 MSG
Life outside of the States looks a lot different and the little things I wouldn’t think twice about at home have suddenly become things to consider. But just as I was satisfied with hot water and easy laundering, I am learning to be just as satisfied with cold water and washboards – knowing that I am able to endure all things because it is Christ who gives me strength.
I am grateful. I am clean. And I am content.
