Contentment

As I write this, the familiar sound of a plow rumbling down the street accompanies me. All I seem to think about or dream about or see is snow, ice, snow, and more ice. I woke up this morning to a fresh blanket of snow. Why wasn't I surprised? We had gone a whole 4 days without any snow, so we were overdue. :) My self-centered side was mostly sad because I had wanted to wear a cute skirt to the opera tonight. Now I have to wear my rugged mountain-man clothes instead, like usual. Sigh...rough life.

This afternoon was somewhat productive with reading for my classes, but then I just reached a wall and couldn't read another word about public program evaluation. I tried to go on a walk, but the blowing snow in my face made me turn around in about 7 seconds.

So I ended up spending a good portion of my afternoon in the Word, looking up nearly ever verse cited in the book I'm reading called, "Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free." If you're female, I highly recommend it!

One of the struggles I've had lately is contentment. I think that's been a struggle and a sin for me my whole life. I've always suspected that, and it's come out more lately in readings and conversation. For example, thoughts have crossed my mind frequently to forget this whole MPA business.

Life is comfortable here. Classes are grueling and American culture doesn't make much sense, but I have shelter, friends, food, and health. Most importantly, I have God. But Philippians 4:11-12 really convicted me today: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I 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 want."

Have I learned this? To be content in every circumstance and season of life? Whether I'm in the middle of America or the middle of Asia; whether I'm a student or a teacher; whether I'm young or old; whether I'm single or married--I want to be content in Him.

My heart literally aches for China and the close-knit community there. I want to go to the nations to tell others about Him. Meanwhile, I sometimes forget that He has sent the nations here to the IU campus! I am literally surrounded by thousands of students who have never heard of Him, and they will someday return to their countries to be the next leaders.

Ultimately, "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace." (Acts 20:24). I have to be mindful that I have the amazing opportunity to tell others about Him, and for now that opportunity is in Indiana. Hopefully I'll be able to return to China someday, but until then I will remember: "wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14)

Alright, folks. Time to get into my mountain-man clothes with contentment in my heart! Happy Saturday!