Sep
08
Yesterday I read a "prescription for contentment" from a woman who served God among African pygmies for 52 years:- Never allow yourself to complain about anything-- not even the weather.
- Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else.
- Never compare your lot with another's.
- Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.
- Never dwell on tomorrow-- remember that [tomorrow] is God's, not ours.
My first thoughts were admiration. Imagine never complaining about the weather! This woman had to bring her thermometer inside some days because it couldn't go past 120 F without breaking. And I thought it was hot here!!
Then I remembered what I read in 1 Thessalonians 1 just hours before, a reminder about the role of imitation in a life of faith. Paul writes, "You became imitators of us and of the Lord.... And you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia." Yes, we are called to be examples, but also to follow examples.
I had been on the look-out all day for things to imitate in others, but the real bang came with this short list. I just wanted to enjoy the story, but I know God calls me to more than that. Have I grown stagnant in my pursuit of holiness? Here's a remedy for sure!
I imagine it's also a remedy for stagnation in the pursuit of happiness. I can't change the heat, but I know I can change my attitude about it. Surely changing my attitude will bring more joy and peace to my day. As Paul wrote in another letter, "Godliness with contentment is great gain."
Thanks for the challenging and encouraging post. The Lord has been directing my attention in similar ways--we need to talk soon! It's amazing how vacations can expose our heart's sickness!
Hannah, Jane Kilkenny just introduced me to your blog. I love it! Especially this post, thank you for those words...they're very applicable to my life right now. PS- love the dog blog. Kenzo and I have been talking about taking a year off between his third and fourth year of med school and go do medical work (at least for him, what I will do is still a mystery) in Peru (or another LA country, but Peru is one of the top choices). While it is still 2 years away, I'd definitely love to hear anything that you could tell me of opportunities for something like that down there.