Being Content

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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." Philippians 4:11-12 What is this secret that Paul is talking about? I want to be content. How can I be content with my job? It's not necessarily what I want to be doing for the rest of my life. I didn't graduate from college and find myself in my dream job. No, that did not happen at all. Instead I find myself working at a coffee shop. No I did not go to school to be a barista or to work in the kitchen. While I love my job at times, like any job, it has it's frustrations. I truly am grateful for my job and the way the Lord has provided for me. I am able to pay my bills and put food on my table. How can I be content with feeling stuck in the States when I would rather be in Haiti? I have tasted what it is like to work with the poor and serve people who are truly grateful. I serve people every day at my job, but most of them seem to be anything but grateful. I feel called to be serving in another country, but it has become obvious that now is not the time. So once again, how do I learn to be content. I think Paul gives me the answer in verse 13. "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." So with Christ I can have the strength to graciously smile at a customer when they jab me with their words. With Christ I can find ways to serve others here, and teach my heart to love people here as I love the ones I met in Haiti. With Christ I can be content, because He is ultimately all that I need. It sounds simple and like a cheesy Sunday school answer, but the fact of the matter is...this is what I'm learning right now. He is teaching me that He is all I need, whether I'm here in North Carolina, in Haiti, or on the other side of the world.