Questions on Contentment

Jeremiah got me thinking about contentment but, like him, I have no answers so here are some questions:

Are we too much concerned with getting ahead of other people or do we need to be more content where we are in life?

Do we prefer the pursuit of happiness to happiness itself?

Why do people expect to be content in the future when they, for example, intern, work, have kids, get rid of the kids or anything else, if they are not content right now say in college?

If I think of this as a stage just to get to what I am really going to do or be, how am I ever going to be content?

Is it good to be discontent at times to push us forward? Or does real contentment not have to include stagnation?

Here are some verses from the Bible that shed some light on the issue:

Hebrews 13:5-6. . .
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

Job 36:11-12. . .
If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. But if they do not listen, they will perish by the sword and die without knowledge.

Proverbs 19:23-24. . .
The fear of the Lord leads to life: then one rests content, untouched by trouble. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!

Philippians 4:10-14. . .
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

1st Timothy 6:6-10. . .
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12. . .
Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" This too is meaningless--a miserable business! Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can on keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Book about me (well... not exactly)

Have you ever wanted to know how I kept up my inspirational hair in the harsh sea environment? Have you ever wanted to know what kind of upbringing turns one into such an excellent individual? Have you ever wanted to know the history of Sir Robert the Great Gray the IV and his family? If you have answered yes to any of these questions then this is the book for you (although you probably won't get these questions answered).

In all seriousness: My mom just got her book published documenting our first year on board the good ship Immanuel. Here is an excerpt from the back of the book:

From culture shock to cone-shell poison, what better way to experience the highs and lows of global ocean travel than through the words of the captain’s mate, mother of two…teenaged boys. Lona Gray chronicled every aspect of their sailing adventure from how to find and prepare meals, how to repair engines, how to avoid monsoons, how to educate teenagers, and how to stay sane living in small quarters far from all the comforts…of stateside living. Through Lona’s words, we see and feel Captain Bobby’s frustrations and triumphs, we meet their new friends, and we experience the rush of unexpected weather.

“Caught by the Lure of the Sea is a compelling and realistic account for…anyone considering taking the leap of faith to follow a romantic dream.”—Cathie Katz, author of Sierra Club’s Nature a Day at a Time: An Uncommon Look At Common Wildlife.“If you’ve ever dreamt of sailing around the world, family in tow, this is the vicarious trip of a lifetime.”—Carole Kotkin, co-author MMMMiami—Tempting Tropical Tastes for Home Cooks Everywhere; food editor Travellady.com and free-lance travel writer.

“…you should read the adventures of Bobbie and Lona Gray aboard the sailing vessel Immanuel…they met priests and pirates and braved stormy seas to bring you a story you’ll not forget.”—John A. Brennan, former Commodore of the Coconut Grove Sailing Club

Booksellers won't put the book on their shelves unless we sell like 200,000 copies or so, but it can be ordered either in person at virtually any bookstore or online at:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.bamm.com/


It's listed under Caught by the Lure of the Sea or Lona Gray, or ISBN 0-595-37515-4 online and in the physical bookstore clerk's computer. Borders also has it. It looks like the cheapest place to get it is Barnes and Noble. We also get a little better royalty from them.