So, I worked through the [Youthworks biblestudy book on Philippians](http://www.youthworks.net/youthworks-series-youth-ministry-bible-studies.php?c=22&d=835&e=836&f=72&w=7003&r=Y) with Caleb from youth group. It was good to go back through it, because I had preached on the book at the beginning of the year. It was also good because it’s a nice convicting book that can’t help but put things in perspective.
In particular, I got to thinking about verses 12-13 of Chapter 4.
“12 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. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. ”
Am I really content? More importantly, is contentment something that we gain, or something that we practice?
I suspect that, being part of such a capitalistic society, we get caught up in the idea that contentment is something that we have to gain or achieve. If only I can get the right girl/boyfriend, if only I have the right car, live in the right suburb, get a degree from the right place, have the right friends, own the right brands, then I will “BE” content. It’s always something that we are aiming for, and of course, it is always something we come up short on.
What if we recognised that we’re already blessed & that we need to “Practice” contentment. I’m not saying that we should just magically be happy, but maybe, by focussing on those things that we already have, we can come to appreciate our present life more and worry about our future life less.
The things we spend our time thinking about, or chasing after, are the things that we come to value.
So, I’ve decided to start blogging about things that I am content with. What opportunities God is giving me. All of the good things that I have in my life. Some of them might be small & trivial & some might be big & meaningful, but all of them are a blessing….
OK, I’ll start off with two biggies, since they were brought to my attention last weekend…
**1: Family.**

So, I was at a wedding last weekend. My cousin Nick & the gorgeous Marika (Sorry Nick. Your picture doesn’t make it this time…). It was great to hang out with them, but it was also great to have the whole family together. My [sister](http://10ft8music.com.au/blog/takentopieces.html) was up from Wagga, and my [brother](http://goldfinchfamily.com/) from Melbourne. I also had a whole passel of cousins at the gig. I realised that I love my family!
OK, so I am not stating anything profound here, but it is still an important realisation to have. So many people constantly bicker with their families. There’s a movie currently out about the pain of having to go to family Christmases, but for me it’s a highlight of my year.
Family are an awesome thing. Rather than thinking about how I don’t get to see them as much as I’d like, I’m practicing contentment, knowing I have an awesome one!

Amy, Shona & Kristin
**2: Friends from Bible College**

So on the weekend I had my graduation ceremony for Bible college. It was great to see a whole bunch of familiar faces & catch up on old times. Of course, I don’t need to look to special events to be reminded of the good things I have. I’m lucky enough that I work 15 mins away from Dan & we have breakfast once a week.
However, Sunday was a great reminder of the great gift I had.
I only got to chat to Bainy[](http://paradoxspeak.blogspot.com/) for about 5 minutes on and off, but we talked about important stuff. Art & its relationship to ministry. Art & its relationship to life. I was challenge. I had to think deeply & hopefully I gave [Bainy](http://paradoxspeak.blogspot.com/) something to think about. I’ve also really enjoyed [his blog](http://paradoxspeak.blogspot.com/). It’s a little bit of college online…
Sometimes I feel really sad that college is over, but today I am practicing contentment, knowing that I had the opportunity to learn heaps during my time at SMBC & that I have a network of friends who continue to challenge me.

Dan performing his exam ceremony during the first year exams…
So, there’s my two… Where is your contentment today?