Well Content

Admittedly, I've never been one to observe "first light" ... I've seen some pretty awesome sunsets but few sunrises! In meeting his brother Esau, Jacob said: "I am unworthy of all the lovingkindness and of all the faithfulness which You have shown to Your servant ..." (Genesis 32:10, NASB). How is it so difficult to praise instead of complain, be positive rather than negative, to replace griping with gratitude? "Some murmur if their sky is clear - And wholly bright to view - If one small speck of dark appear - In their great heaven of blue" (R. C. Trench). Martineau wrote about people who choose to live not in expectation of the "right to be happy" but rather see their blessings not numbered by anticipation, but "come to them fresh and brilliant as the first day's morning and evening light." In other words, there's deep gratitude and contentment toward all things. Paul wrote, "And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NASB). For the sleepy-head, morning's first light brings joyful reality for another day of life ... For the early-to-bed, evening's first light is the assurance of the day's gifts and rest to come: contentment and gratitude in all things! What a life when we are ... well content.