Contentment and Desire

One of the things I struggle with is contentment. In the Bible, Paul tells us that we are to be "content in every circumstance." It's so hard sometimes though, not to desire more. 


I spent last week in Charlottesville, dog sitting for a friend. Since my job allows me to work from anywhere, it affords me to such things. (However, my cat doesn't really agree with that choice.) The family I help out lives in a gated community, just outside of town. The homes sit in rolling hills and lots of trees. The dogs are well behaved and require relatively little attention: some food, a walk, and a little play makes them happy. The house is large and I find myself feeling very small in it. I'm pretty sure the bathroom and closet area is about as big as the apartment I had on Van Buren Street in Fredericksburg.

When I stay in places like this, that's when my "I want a house." desire kicks in.  I don't think it's a bad desire to have or to work toward. But my question lies in where does the line between contentment and ambition become a problem? I can't say my desire for a house isn't at least a little bit about my comfort and feeling like I have accomplished something. I mean, it's the American dream isn't it? I really like where I'm living now, the Glasgows are wonderful people, my apartment is cozy, and they have allowed me to "make it my own." There's no real reason to move. And I don't see it changing anytime soon, outside becoming the next J K Rowling or winning the MegaMillions, but I have found myself more and more looking at homes and just wishing. Even though I know the responsibility factor kicks up about a million percent, I still find it happening.

Now is the time for my contentment check. Am I content in where God has me overall? Is this desire just a manifestation of discontentment in another area of my heart. It's then that I have to remember to take stock of the abundance that I DO have. I do have so much more than most people. More than I need really. Also, do I desire my relationship with the Lord as much as I desire the "stuff" of this world. Hmm..that's the humbling question isn't it?