Contentment

I was told that I appear content. I took it as a complement. I am. I don’t have a lot of things that I am longing for. I’m grateful for all that I have.

As I thought more about it, I began to wonder if contentment is a good thing. Don’t get me wrong. I think it is. But I don’t know that content people change the world. Isn’t discontentment the motivation to improve? Doesn’t the desire for more, more money, recognition, and status create opportunities?

Bill Gates wasn’t satisfied. Gandhi wasn’t satisfied. And their dissatisfaction changed the world. On the flip-side, Discontent has created great ugliness in the world as well.

As a teacher, I have been content with what I do. Now the rules are changing and it is revealed that I have no power, wondering what to do next.

I have been provided for in the past, and I am not forgotten now. I can rest in that knowledge. I am unaware of all the changes I have made in the world, but I am excited for the changes that face me. I am learning daily what it means to trust, and in that I am content.