The Second Gaze - Contentment

As soon as I read the theme for today (BTW, side note - the themes that I have are not ones that I chose - they came from a photo365 list from several years ago and I am just using them to see how the Spirit speaks through these daily words), I immediately went to one of my favorite passages from Paul’s letters where he writes:

Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11-13

While there are more than a few areas where I struggle with contentment (cough, tech, cough), I will say that there is a simple contentment I have grown to find with a morning like this one. A simple sunrise reflecting  off the water and a cool, crisp temperature. If Scout was a little more cooperative and patient, the bench would be a welcome place to simply sit and take in the blessing of that moment and that space.  Here is where I can feel these words from Paul... “I have learned to be content with whatever I have.”