The Manifestation of Contentment

The Manifestation of Contentment

By April McQueen

Since my birthday comes at the end of the year, I always take time to take stock of the past year and chart a course for the new one. Only slightly different from resolutions, I look within to find a word, a phrase, or a mission that will guide me through the year: my north star. This year that word is manifestation paired with contentment.

I am learning to be content with what I have and who I am. This does not mean that I abandon personal and spiritual growth, or any career or other goals, however. Just the opposite. As I change, grow, learn, and develop, the manifestation of contentment follows me, and I adjust to it. It means that if nothing changes, I can accept that. It means if everything changes, I, with the help of Christ, can survive and even thrive as I accept that, too. I can tune into gratitude for having enough and continuing my faith journey, fully relying on God. I can realize that whatever manifestation my life is presenting me with, the ongoing choice of contentment is an integral part of the believer’s life for all things great and small.

In the abundant times the manifestation of happiness as my current commitment, is welcome, but it challenges me to look past the gift with gratefulness to the giver. In the lean times, the prayers that manifest multiply and my relationship with the Lord deepens. I pray for guidance in my stewardship of the time, talent and treasure that I have, and discernment of how and where the Lord is leading me. My life progresses from the winter of growth where discontent is the common, easy response, to the signs of spring in my spiritual growth. The latter helps me to stay on course and be more intentional in the practice of nurturing my faith no matter what season I am in spiritually.

Each part on the spectrum from contentment to discontent has its purpose. There is black and white with countless shades of gray. Those manifestations require interpretation of the gray as my responses to God’s call either to embrace the status quo for a while longer or prepare for the challenge of change. No matter what the manifestation is, learning to listen is the foundational lesson. Without developing my inner life with Our Lord, I feel alone in life’s trials. I weather solemn storms better with Him than alone.

Lastly, the manifestation of my relationship with Christ means carving out time to spend with Him in good times and bad. This continual choice becomes my refuge during challenging times. When contentment starts to diminish, discontent cannot be far behind. I become vulnerable. I realize that certain negative circumstances assault my means and my mind, leaving me adrift and in need of help when I try to go it alone.

The limit to the effectiveness of my own efforts before my resources and ability are depleted leads to unstable and uncertain outcomes played out in my head over and over. I turn to the Lord and ask for guidance. I am thankful and aware of all that He has done for me before. His strength, peace, and generosity are sufficient for me yesterday, today, and tomorrow no matter what I face. Remembering this informs my choice of rescue. I choose contentment despite the problems that mount and shake me to my core. I pray and know that He listens and responds. He is the ultimate manifestation of divinity and love, which I receive with joy.