Contentment

Do you love Disneyworld? During our last night on “The Happiest Place on Earth,” we found a perfect spot to watch the fireworks in Epcot. We were there two hours early and even found some time to take a much needed nap from the miles we had walked throughout the week.
The kids were getting very restless and Tyler noticed other kids that were just…looking for something to do. The next thing we know, he is introducing himself to a family next to us from England. Tyler taught them how to play UNO. They taught him how to perfect his English accent. We also noticed a group of teenagers that kept staring at us. It was that awkward stare where you look behind you to see if they’re looking at you or someone else. It is amazing how a smile INVITES an introduction. We simply smiled and one of the young ladies hopped up from her group and came over with a notebook in hand. She was from Spain Park High School and had to complete a project for her AP English Class. The assignment was very interesting. They had to meet 40 strangers and ask them the same questions to determine if there was a common bond with people from different walks of life, socioeconomic classes, countries, etc.
The one question that I remember was this: “Where do you find contentment?” I paused and looked around as Tyler was engaged in an intense game of UNO laughing with new friends, my bride was next to me as we shared a funnel cake, Jackson and Mallory were playing charades on the phone app, and on the other side of us were two of our true friends, Big Dave and Kim Bassett holding hands. I answered, “This is contentment. Family and a lot of prayer.” Contentment is having the “Staying Power” to work through whatever troubles come your way to experience that peaceful, easy feeling.
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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 in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Phi 4:11-14 NIV)