Early on in this post, I'll reveal that this is probably going in the opposite direction of what the title suggests. I had a "discussion" this weekend regarding how I am striving for better. It led to the statement that sometimes it is ok to just be content. This is probably true in some situations...but that wasn't the position I was willing to take in that moment. I want to see change + growth...both in myself + in the world...and my focus is on trying to take the next step in that direction.
I recognize that the idea of contentedness has most likely been a focus of a few posts here. In theory, I am on a mission to find it + to find rest in it. I wish to find contentedness in order to lay down my desire to consume...once + for all. I covet contentedness in my closet + in my home + in my circumstances. I'm not sure, but someday I may find rest in these areas. Right now I'm willing to call it a journey + to actively engage in the pursuit.
What I know for sure is that clothes + furnishings will wear out. We'll get hungry again. Our home will need repairs + our car will get rear-ended (yup, this week). Our lives need constant tending, + I want to be engaged in making better + more compassionate choices.
There is plenty wrong with this world. The garment industry, climate change, plastic pollution, refugee producing conflict, racial inequities...the list is endless. There is + always will be a spot where we can direct our energies toward a new objective. Jesus said that the poor will always be with us + in saying so, He let us know that our work would never be finished (Matthew 26:11). I pray that I will never be content to just let it be.
It brings me to tears to hear the students saying that the adults have not done enough in regards to gun control + that their generation will. It breaks my heart, on one hand because I know that at least the first part is true. On the other hand, I know that there are mamas + papas whose life's work has become campaigning for change in gun laws after the loss of their own precious sons + daughters. It is not that no one has been working...it is that there is still so much to be done. Contentedness is not an option. Even with stronger laws...the real issue may be more about making sure that every kid + teen + young adult + adult knows that he or she is loved...that he or she is heard...that he or she is valued + worthy + necessary.
When Charity Water's founder is asked what he will do with his life after everyone on earth has access to clean water, he laughs + says he will take what he's learned + apply it to the next problem, of course.
Right now, I see life as a journey involving frustration...and contentedness a destination that may never be reached. I see my daily pursuits like an active yoga posture that engages all of the muscles in the pursuit of lengthening + deepening.
May we always find a cause for frustration, and may our frustration always move us to action.
Love,
Jane
I recognize that the idea of contentedness has most likely been a focus of a few posts here. In theory, I am on a mission to find it + to find rest in it. I wish to find contentedness in order to lay down my desire to consume...once + for all. I covet contentedness in my closet + in my home + in my circumstances. I'm not sure, but someday I may find rest in these areas. Right now I'm willing to call it a journey + to actively engage in the pursuit.
What I know for sure is that clothes + furnishings will wear out. We'll get hungry again. Our home will need repairs + our car will get rear-ended (yup, this week). Our lives need constant tending, + I want to be engaged in making better + more compassionate choices.
There is plenty wrong with this world. The garment industry, climate change, plastic pollution, refugee producing conflict, racial inequities...the list is endless. There is + always will be a spot where we can direct our energies toward a new objective. Jesus said that the poor will always be with us + in saying so, He let us know that our work would never be finished (Matthew 26:11). I pray that I will never be content to just let it be.
It brings me to tears to hear the students saying that the adults have not done enough in regards to gun control + that their generation will. It breaks my heart, on one hand because I know that at least the first part is true. On the other hand, I know that there are mamas + papas whose life's work has become campaigning for change in gun laws after the loss of their own precious sons + daughters. It is not that no one has been working...it is that there is still so much to be done. Contentedness is not an option. Even with stronger laws...the real issue may be more about making sure that every kid + teen + young adult + adult knows that he or she is loved...that he or she is heard...that he or she is valued + worthy + necessary.
When Charity Water's founder is asked what he will do with his life after everyone on earth has access to clean water, he laughs + says he will take what he's learned + apply it to the next problem, of course.
Right now, I see life as a journey involving frustration...and contentedness a destination that may never be reached. I see my daily pursuits like an active yoga posture that engages all of the muscles in the pursuit of lengthening + deepening.
May we always find a cause for frustration, and may our frustration always move us to action.
Love,
Jane
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