SANTOSHA

Is there contentment and acceptance in your present circumstances? We are all invited to find the tranquility that exists in every moment and yet in a world of deception, hurt and craziness, inner peace is difficult to attain.

In 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Paul wrote,“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times, in all ways. The Lord be with you all.”

Many people continue to search for meaning in life; for contentment - whether that be through different adventures, various relationships or even numerous thoughts and attempts to connect with self or the spiritual world.

There was once a wise woman who would travel through the mountains. One day she found a precious stone in a stream she was walking near. Shortly after, she met a traveler who was very hungry. When she opened her bag to share her meal, the traveler saw the precious stone and begged the woman to give it to him. Without hesitation, the woman handed it to him. Rejoicing in his good fortune, the traveler left. Holding it in his hand, he realized that the stone was worth a great amount that would provide security for him for the rest of his life.

A few days later, the traveler returned to the woman who was willing to share her food. “I’ve been thinking,” the traveler told her. “I realize that this stone has great value, but I would like to return it to you in exchange for something even more precious. Please give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone.” (“The Wise Woman’s Stone”)

The woman didn’t have her fingers tightly holding the stone, but gave it freely to the traveler and despite the fact that he could have lived out his days in peace and luxury, he wanted to know what she possessed that he didn’t.

What is it in us as humans that has us craving more? Never really satisfied with our present circumstances? has us needing more things, toys, stuff? Will we ever be content? Yes, you can have that contentment by asking Jesus to live in your heart. He gave us the Holy Spirit to guide, direct and keep us in life and peace. Don’t you want to have that peace?

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:3