Have you ever had one of those days where God somehow finds a way to speak to you through everything that happens? That's the kind of day I've had. This week we went on a camping trip, and the Lord ministered to me through the most peculiar of ways. For example, last night at around 3:00 A.M., our dog went into some kind of frenzy, barking hysterically. Obviously, when you're surrounded by woods and are half asleep, you expect the worst. We shot out of our air mattresses, only to realize it was a raccoon scampering through our campsite. As I laid back down, I began wondering to myself why we are so easily scared when God is right there with us all the time. I've read about God's omnipotence, and even blogged about it, but God had to send a hungry raccoon up to our tent in order to teach me what it really means.


Then, on the way home, it seemed like almost every song that came on the radio was hand-chosen by God. Songs I'd heard dozens of times suddenly took on a new meaning as the Lord began opening my eyes to what I thought I already saw (don't you love it when that happens?). In only a short time, my Heavenly Father taught be about dependence, love, faith, and more. But perhaps the greatest lesson I learned today was about contentment.

After I had a bite to eat this evening, I went outside to feed and water my ducks. After they ate their supper, they then marched over to their little swimming pool from which almost all the water had evaporated due to the extreme heat we've had today; but to my surprise, instead of waddling back to their pen, they swam anyway. They had the time of their life swimming in no more than a half inch of water! As they did their best to bathe themselves in water that barely covered the tops of their feet, I began to wonder what life would be like if we, as Christians, had this kind of contentment. What if, instead of focusing on all that we wish we had, we were satisfied with what God has already given us. Sure, it would be nice if we had more money, a bigger home, and a nicer car - but is it really necessary? The world around us may have all that their hearts could ever desire, but God showed me today that being satisfied with just a little brings more joy than does discontentment in the midst of material abundance.

Are you seeking/longing after earthly gain? If so, know that "godliness with contentment" is gain in itself (I Timothy 6:6). No matter who you are, there's always going to be somebody better off than you, and thus you'll always be faced with the temptation to want more, but only in God's grace will your heart be able to find satisfaction.