You know those people who are just plain difficult to buy gifts for? I’m married to one of them. It’s not because he’s fastidious or difficult to please. It’s just that he is always content with what he has. I’ll address the issue of contentment momentarily.
So, after racking my brain on the perfect Father’s Day gift for my easily satisfied husband, I had an epiphany. Well, not really an epiphany – but a grand idea, nonetheless. I acquired this photo of my super sexy husband landing in Las Vegas:
and, had it framed, at Hobby Lobby no less. I must say, that I was pleasantly surprised at how efficient and economical Hobby Lobby was on framing the photograph. I didn’t break the bank, so everyone was happy.
You may be wondering, who in the heck took this incredibly amazing photo of my super sexy husband touching down in sin city? If you visit www.airliners.net, you’ll see a whole host of photographs that some aviation photographer junkies post. And, we found this one. It’s entirely cool.
Now, just when I thought I had the most impressive of gifts, John Henry shows up with this gift for Kris:
How did John Henry know that Kris would love a rock with hair? It’s like he completely read his mind.
Of course, we all treasure the little gifts our children make us. But Kris couldn’t have been more pleased with this piece of earth accessorized by colorful threads. It’s the kind of stuff he digs.
I think we all too often become consumed with stuff. We don’t have enough. We have too much. We constantly want more. Sometimes, it’s nice to just sit back and be happy with what I already have – both materially and otherwise. Why do some of us struggle with a soft word like contentment? Even when God has blessed us with more than we need? I will not argue that I like nice things nor do I see wrong in having them – and having much. But I think there is truth in that money and possessions can complicate life at times. Not only do I live in a home, I live in a nice home. The United Nations reported that there are 100 million people in the world who are homeless. I drive a dependable car. I never miss a meal. How can I not be content?
My prayer for today is that I learn to always be content with what God has already given me. That I don’t trust in my stuff, but in the One who provides it. I want to be able say as in Philippians 4:11, Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned to be content with whatever I have.
What helps you when you are struggling with contentment?
DustyTakle.com 
That is stinkin’ hilarious! I have a similar husband, judging by the utter joy and satisfaction from opening a $4.99 dartboard for our new garage-turned-gameroom! After all, it was his first Father-to-Be Day. 🙂
I love the rock! It the right size and the hair speaks volumes! You tell John Henry I want a hair filled rock for my new desk(when I get one)!
love ya Dusty
“Counting my blessings” is my antidote to curing the contentment issues in my life.
It’s funny that you write this. July 26th will mark the completion of a 6 mo. shopping fast for this gal. For me, this is a killer amount of time to go without a new pair of shoes, shirt, accessory of any sort,etc. Not to mention, I was pregnant most of last year. Seasons have changed. Styles have changed. More importantly, my body has changed. Yet I have done without these new things. I’m not saying that new shoes, clothing, or accessories are poison. For me, doing without was the route to find my contentment.
Within the two weeks following Kole’s birth, I lost a fiance/best friend when he chose to end our 9 year relationship. My plans of being a stay-at-home mother and pursuing my Master’s Degree in a few years were out the window in an instant. My home and baby nursery were shifted. Everything seemed to change at once. Now I was a mother. It didn’t take me long to have a few too many shopping sprees. As the bills accumulated, I realized that I was trying to make myself content through material things. As in anything else on this earth, these clothes were only a temporary fix. Nothing here is permanent. At any time, I could lose a job, experience the death of a friend or family member, or even watch my house burn to the grown. However, I was quick to notice the one thing that has been consistent in my life. There is one person that has not changed. He is a permanent. God. Through Him I find my contentment.
Although it took some getting use to, doing without and focusing on Him has allowed me to enjoy so much more in life. It’s afternoons like today that Kole and I sit by the lake together just watching the waves as boats pass by. Never before have I even bothered to wake up and take the time to just sit and watch waves. In earlier days, I would always be the one going and doing and spending. It’s nice to be content with what I do have.
My 6 mo. is almost up. Thank goodness for that. But, ya know what, I’m not sure that I really want to pass up my time with Kole enjoying the little moments at home to be in a mall or online purchasing a cute, new purse.