"Not that I speak in respect of want:
for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,
therewith to be content." - Philippians 4:11

My wife's brother and sister-in-law volunteered to babysit for us this evening so we could have a "date" with just the two of us.

So, we packed up Jacob's "stuff" (you know, diapers, baby wipes, the usual) and a big bag of Jacob's toys.

We dropped the little guy off and then had our time alone together.  Later, we returned to find Jacob having a wonderful time playing.  Playing with something out of the ordinary.

He wasn't fascinated with any of the toys in his bag. He wasn't spellbound by a television or a ceiling fan or any of the electronic things at his aunt and uncle's house. Even the puppies didn't have his attention.

Instead, my soon-to-be sixteen month old boy was squealing in delight over a large, plastic soup ladle.

Yes, a soup ladle.  Not a remote control car.  Not an electric train.  Not a whimpering puppy.  But, a soup ladle.

We were told that he had spent the majority of the evening playing with that thing.  In fact, he was so affixed to it that we had to bring it home with him when we left.

That's what is so sweet about children -- they are fascinated with the simple things of life.

You know, sometimes as adults, we allow life to get too complicated.  As we get older, it seems it takes something more and bigger and better to get us the same thrill of enjoyment.

If we're not careful, we no longer find our excitement and fascination and enjoyment in the simple things of life like friendships and sitting on the porch at sunrise and starry nights and squirrels at play in the yard.

It seems to me that too often we allow the things of this world that we don't have to drive us to get more, and we can't be satisfied with what we have.  If we're not careful, that pattern of always wanting more leads to a serious problem of discontentment.

The apostle Paul said, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

Christian, what about you today?  Are you constantly wanting something that you don't have?  Or, are you completely content with what the Lord Jesus has given you in your life...especially those simple things that we often take for granted.

As some wise man once said, "It's better to count your 'haves' instead of your 'have-nots."

I know, for me, I need to get my calculator out to count all of the blessings the Lord has given me.

How about you?

Have a "Wonderful DAY in Christ,"
Jimmy D. Brown
\o/ Praise Jesus!