Content

12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Phil. 4:12

I realized today that I am content. I don't know if I have ever been at the place of being content in my life. Maybe for brief periods of time. I am content in my marriage. My wife is my best friend. I have awesome kids. I have great people in my church. I have good friends. I know that I am exactly in the place of ministry that God wants me in and I have a great deal of anticipation for what lies ahead in my life.

Please don't misunderstand me. My marriage can improve and I know it will continue to do so. I love my wife more now than ever before. My kids are not yet raised and I am not a perfect dad. I need to improve my parenting skills. There is much that needs to change in our church and there are a lot of people who need Jesus in our community. I always have pictured myself as being more suited for a larger community. Leading the change and seeing growth is going to challenge me more than anything I have attempted in my life. I need to be more intentional in developing and maintaining friendships that are more than surface level. And I desperately need to improve my skills and learn more. I need to grow even more in my faith. But I am content.

I am content because I know that God wants my marriage to grow. It has improved over the years, not that it was ever bad. But as God leads us closer together I know that a greater intimacy will develop. That's exciting. I see my kids are learning to love God. God has promised to give us wisdom so I know that while I will make mistakes my kids will turn out to be great people who love God. God has given me vision for our church and community and what joy there will be in heaven as people are touched and lives are salvaged. I know that God has led me safe thus far and by His grace I will continue to mature in my faith and leadership.

I am content because I know that as good as things are in my life, God has greater things in store! I hope that you can learn the secret of being content.