Lessons from Wes : Contentment

As many of you know, our family is currently in a season of wandering.  Due to AJ's rotations with his Internal Medicine residency, the nature of the program he is currently a part of, and the flexibility he's given to do "out rotations", our family finds ourselves in a state of wandering for the next year.

Wes was born at the end of December.  He will be 6 months old at the end of June.  Through the first 6 months of his life, HALF of it was spent in places that were not "home".

There is so much that I am learning from Wes.  He teaches me every day.  But this one lesson jumped out at me as I was pondering this last night going to bed.  Wes has spent HALF of his life moving about, meeting new people, greeting new places and circumstances.  And still, he is one of the happiest baby's I've ever known.  Last night I was in the "I just want to go home" mindset.  We've been traveling for 6 weeks straight now, and we have another 2.5 to go.  As I was feeling down, I thought about my boy.  He hasn't shown a bit of sadness, homesickness, frustration with the moving.  Maybe that's because he doesn't really know what "home" is.  Or - maybe he really does.

Maybe Wes has found contentment in the things that really matter.  Wes trusts us.  He does not need much to be happy.  Although the circumstances around him change, those he loves, those who care for him does not.

I could learn a lot from my son.  I find myself wishing we were home.  Wishing for the circumstances to change.  Thinking that having X, Y, and Z will make me feel better.  But the truth is, I have everything I need to be content.  God has provided a way for those that I love to be together during these changes.  God has been faithful.  He has given us everything we need for today.  What more could I want?

Philippians 4:11-13

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for 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.