"For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." - Philippians 4:11
Happy weekend ! Below are some photographs of mine that may depict and be similar to what makes you content.
Kailua/Lanikai Beaches, Oahu, Hawaii
Haleiwa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
I personally feel much contentment when I visit the beach. Just to sit on the beach and watch the surf and listen to its pounding as it reaches the shore is very relaxing to me. Don't you just love to take off your shoes and dig your toes into the sand?
Of course, in Philippians 4:11, the apostle Paul was speaking of being happy and content with what you have, no matter how meager it may be or how lavish. Contentment has everything to do with happiness; if you are not content, then it follows that you will not be happy. I like what Immanuel Kant had to say about it: "We are not rich by what we possess but by what we can do without." A similar thought by an unknown author is, "The richest man is not he who has the most, but he who needs the least." If you are always wanting more, more, more, then you do not have contentment.
This is Lika, my contented cat (spoiled as well).
Contented grazing Buffalo
Maybe a trip to a park with a lake and wildlife makes you feel content. The above photograph is of Canadian Geese at Greenlake Park in Seattle, Washington.
Or could a cup of coffee and a slice of carrot cake satisfy?
How about flowers?
All of the above things bring a temporary feeling of contentment, but we know true contentment goes much deeper than that and is found only in the Lord. Like the rose has thorns that can prick and hurt, so many tangible delights often have an unwanted side effect; they can distract from what truly matters. 1 Timothy 6:6 reads, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." Put first things first; then you can better enjoy life's simple pleasures....with contentment.
Below is a photograph (not mine) for humor:
"Contentment is the realization of what you already have."
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