BE CONTENT

Contentment is often viewed as settling for what is and not working toward a better objective. St. Paul, in the fourth chapter of his letter to Phillipians, writes from a very difficult situation. The Romans have him in jail, the Jews want him dead and he can't even get some books from the local congregation he started. Basically it is a bad time, yet he writes to the church: "Whatever place I find myself in, there I am content." 

Obviously he isn't happy with the circumstance, but he chooses to view the situation from a larger perspective and not be caught up in the feeling of a victim. In relationships we often find ourselves in places we my not describe as happy, but what good does it do if we just get angry and play the victim. I see content as follows:

Conscious

Of

Never

Trusting

Ego's

Nonsencical 

Trash

Experience shows the ego loves to go to the role of victim and then defend itself by either being depressed or angry, which never provides anything but more complications. Paul was able to see a larger picture and trusted the current circumstance would pass and the journey he was on would continue to a higher purpose. 

In relationships we have to see the higher purpose of being together and not focus on the momentary discomforts, which often come into play. The bottom line is, we can either complain and be a victim or learn to play until we win. It is a choice, just as every decision we make during our journey. Be content, not a victim and play until you win!

Any thoughts? Share them with us in the comments section or write us at nyccc1@aol.com. Join the blog by becoming a Follower in the box on the right and we will send you a note every time we have a new post. For more information on our counseling go to NYCCC.ORG

If interested in a faith based approach to counseling see my book Inner Space (click here).