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The Forward Day by Day Meditation for May 25, 2013

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SATURDAY, May 25 Ember Day

1 Timothy 6:6-21. Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content.

I am one of those people who write an annual Christmas letter. Yes, I know that it can feel impersonal, but I simply don’t have the time in December to do more.

A couple of years ago I began, as always, by reflecting on the year past: the busy kids, a few notable trips, milestone birthdays. But what occurred to me was the thing I most wanted to communicate was the fact that we were content. That seemed most newsworthy.

Gandhi wrote, “Man falls from the pursuit of the ideal of plain living and high thinking the moment he wants to multiply his daily wants. Man’s happiness really lies in contentment.” Paul knew this. We need food, clothing, and shelter. Yet we get caught up in striving for the latest electronic gadget, thrills, stuff, knowledge. Our daily wants are multiplied.

I don’t think God wants us to be content with every-thing; certainly not injustice, violence, and hunger. But perhaps we would serve people better—and be happier—if we could just be content.

PRAY for the Diocese of North Queensland (Queensland, Australia)

Today the Church remembers Bede, the Venerable, Priest, and Monk of Jarrow, 735.

Ps 20, 21:1-7(8-14) * 110:1-5(6-7), 116, 117; Deuteronomy 1:1-8; Luke 14:12-24