Living with Contentment
Tom Nuckels, Director of Spiritual Care – Central Texas
Well, here we are! We made it through 2020! Well, most of us did! Some did not, and may God bless those families who have had losses this past year. Someone has said, “January 1st, 2021 is the first time in history that we can truly say, ‘hindsight is 2020!’” Well, goodbye 2020, and good riddance, I say!
I also heard, “This is the only time in history when you it’s a good thing to be around negative people.” Get it?
I recently read an article titled “5 Terms That Need to Go Away!” All are related to things we heard in the news, terms we used most often in 2020.
#1- “It is what it is”—It’s a redundant statement and absolutely meaningless! What does it really mean?
#2- “Unprecedented”-It’s a tiresome word, isn’t it? It’s also inaccurate. These times are not unprecedented. The 1918 Swine Flu pandemic actually killed more people than the Black Plague! In the US, 675, 000 people died and worldwide, at least 50 million people. It’s not unprecedented! What is unprecedented for me, is to be complaining about being stuck at home working from my computer since March of last year! But, “it is what it is, I guess!”
#3-“New Normal”—This is a term we often use in our workshops to speak of serious illness and crisis…that things will never be the same as before. One writer suggested the term, “new paradigm,” since there is nothing “normal” about our present situation. How about the term, “new future?”
#4-“We’re in this together”—What? Do you have someone in your pocket? Who is the “we” here? “We’ll get through this?” Are you taking out the garbage for the in-laws? Or buying groceries for friends and family members who are at risk?
#5-“Wash your hands”—What? We’ve been told this since we were in grade school. Do I really need the media to tell me over and over to wash my hands? Am I six years old? They still keep saying it, though, “Stay safe…keep your distance…and wash your hands!” Yes, mother!
Well, 2020 was a terrible year though! It is easy to complain about how horrible things have been! For my family, we experienced the death of my brother-in-law, with whom I was close! That was hard, but in the midst of the sorrow, God blessed us with the birth of our first grandchild, just one month later. He has been a joy and delight during the past eight months.
Recently, I was speaking with a group of Lifeline volunteers on Zoom. We meet each Wednesday morning for a “virtual coffee.” One shared how she had decided to stop talking about how bad things are and to begin to look for the good. What blessings have been found throughout the year? Maybe you have to look hard, but they’re there, none the less.
- More walking for your health
- Taking more notice of beauty of sunrises and sunsets
- The kindnesses of people
- More connection. We are not really “socially distanced,” but “physically distanced” (I’ve had workshops with over 50 people in attendance at once. That’s more connection).
Her decision “to look for the good,” reminded me of Paul’s statement to the Philippian church,
“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 all this through him who gives me strength,” Philippians 4:12-13.
When I shared this with the group, another person said, “that is great, but it can be frustrating to hear what we need to do without the how. Paul tells us how to be content and to trust God in all things for our needs.”
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you,” Philippians 4:4-9.
Don’t be anxious but be prayerful. Change what you think about—think on the true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable, praiseworthy things. Practice that and God’s peace will be with you! Now that is a helpful message for the New Year!
So, remember, in these unprecedented times of our new normal, that we’re all in this together! After all, it is what it is and don’t forget to wash your hands!”