Content

Thoughts for the Day May 1, 2020

Paul sits in a dark prison cell and writes, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). How amazing is that—content in jail? The BLB version says it like this. “…I have learned to be content in that which I am.” 

This reminds me of a story I once read  about a king who went to his garden on morning, only to find everything  withered and dying. He asked the oak tree that stood near the gate what the trouble was. The oak tree said it was tired of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like a pine tree. The pine was troubled because it could not bear grapes like the grapevine. The grapevine was determined to throw its life away because it could not stand erect and produce fruit as large as peaches. The geranium was fretting because it was not tall and fragrant like the lilac. 

And so it went throughout the garden. Yet coming to a violet, the king found its face as bright and happy as ever and said, “Well violet, I’m glad to find one brave little flower in the midst of this discouragement. You don’t seem to be the least disheartened.” The violet responded, “No, I’m  not. I know I’m small, yet I thought if you wanted an oak or a pine or a peach tree or even a lilac, you would have planted one. Since  I knew you wanted a violet, I’m determined to be the best little violet I can be.” 

Whoever we  are in life  and wherever we find ourselves in this walk we are called to do as Paul and be content.  God has made each of us for a special purpose and has planted us right where he wants us for this time in history.  Let’s not disappoint our King, instead let’s be like the little violet and be the best we can be in the midst of today’s discouragement!

Have a blessed day!