I wish I had compiled a montage video of my 6 year old son this past Christmas morning.  His response to every single gift was pure joy and excitement. His joy was so contagious. After Christmas morning we hopped over to another family party and more gifts were exchanged, more sugary treats were consumed and by the end of the evening the boy was worn out!  I told him, sigh, that it was time for bed and he began to weep. He knew that the day he’d dreamed about for so many weeks was coming to a close and as I was comforting him he cried, “just one more Mom, just one more present.  Can there be just one more present tomorrow?  I just want ONE MORE THING TO UNWRAP!”  

Aren’t we like that with Jesus?  We might initially be excited about this good gift or that one, but then we somehow convince ourselves that one more really will do the trick this time.

One more gift God, and I will finally be content.  One more gift, Lord, and then I will follow you wholeheartedly.  One more gift and…and…and…

In 2018, I am going to focus on being content.  God has given so many good gifts, but some days I don’t even appreciate them because I too, just like my 6 year old son would like just one more thing to unwrap.  Paul gives great encouragement in Philippians 4:11 (and he seems to have actually figured out this big secret)  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.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Let’s ask God for his strength to be content and for grateful hearts for his rich blessings this year!

-- Ceci