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Paris
By admin | February 3, 2010
I Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
 Our world is a kaleidoscope of opportunity: things to do, places to go, sites to see, and stuff on which to spend money. As human beings, we can always be restless or we can find contentment. A human life that finds contentment is truly a blessed life.My grandparents had an absolutely beautiful farm. They took tender care of it and I thought they were extremely happy with their lives. They loved the hard work, reading of their books, and their family. From the perspective of youth, I assumed that was all they ever wanted to be and do. One day, while sitting on the back fender of the tractor my granddaddy was driving, he stopped and we had some sweet tea together and talked. Somehow my grandfather told me of a personal ambition that had been a dark secret from me and maybe everyone else. Granddaddy had gone to college and then joined the army when World War I broke out. In his absence, my great-grandmother, Anna, and her two unmarried brothers, Eli and David, managed the farm. Granddad, after the war, said to my great-grandmother he wanted to go live in Paris. He wanted to have a life there - not on the farm. His mother said, “No.” She said, “My parents worked to build this farm and you’re the only one who can keep it in the family.” I remember that conversation from my childhood. He seemed wistful as he told me the story. In response, I said something like, “I’m sorry. Did you miss not living in Paris?” He said, “Sometimes I think about what life in Paris would be and how my life would have been different. However, I’m content with my life and if I hadn’t chosen this, I wouldn’t have had Bunnie Mae, my children, and a lot of personal satisfaction.” I said, “But, Granddaddy, you could have had a great life in Paris.” He looked at me with his big, blue eyes and said, “But then, Chipper, there wouldn’t have been you, and the possibility of your life alone is worth the sacrifice of Paris.” That conversation deeply affected me. Perhaps we’re all faced with choices. I understand now the contentment of living a responsible life. I have been content with tending the garden of souls that God has placed in my care. We all have to decide our commitments. Contentment comes from the satisfaction of our heart. Contentment comes from serving God and living a worthy life. I am now about the same age as my grandfather was then. I am grateful for the legacy of contentment he passed on to his grandson. Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be content with the choices and decisions we make. Amen. |
Topics: The "Enough" Series |
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