But godliness with contentment is great gain. I Timothy 6:6
Now, what does one of my favorite scriptures have to do with this photo? Glad you asked! A few weeks ago, I was playfully teased about my luggage set. It’s old. It has two wheels, instead of four. But, you know what I didn’t do? Run out and buy another luggage set! Not that the thought may not have briefly crossed my mind. But, you know what? There’s nothing wrong with this one. No tears. No holes. Just over a decade old. That’s it. So, why didn’t I go buy another set? One word. Contentment.
At 37, I no longer care about having the newest car or the fanciest house or even luggage set. Would these things be nice? Yep! Sure would! Are they necessary for survival or happiness? Nope! I have had to grow to this point though. And I have certainly learned valuable lessons along the way. Let’s talk about one time that I should have been content, but wasn’t.
That One Time I Wasn’t Content
In February 2010, I paid off my Volkswagen Passat. It was the first car I paid off. I was proud. In November 2010, nine months later, the engine died. Wouldn’t you know it!? Like really man!? The logical solution would’ve been to save $3,000 to get the engine repaired. (Side note: I’ve since learned those engines were defective, but still.) But, what did I do? I went out and got a new car! It was a silver Mitsubishi Eclipse. It was the cutest! And came with a car note…something I had recently gotten rid of. See where I’m going with this?
Here I am…two cars and 11 years later and I’ve learned my lesson. In February 2019, I paid off my current car, a 2012 Jeep Compass. I actually still love it! That’s big for someone who used to love upgrading cell phones whenever possible! And as far as this car, I’m riding this thing until the wheels fall off! Is the temptation to upgrade still there? Absolutely! Especially after finding out that my husband had actually been seriously searching for my dream car as a Christmas gift. Y’all! I could’ve been riding around in a Range Rover! Peep the backstory.
That Time I Could’ve Had a Range Rover
When I suggested getting him a cheap truck to use just as a work vehicle, he said he wanted something newer. To which I replied, no new car note! Of course, I had no clue that he was searching for my dream car. But, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander right!? So, he stopped looking. Wise decision!
Did I kick myself when I found out? A little…yes! But, I stand by what I said. No new car note. We worked hard to pay off the one I have. And to be quite frank, we have not always made the best financial decisions. So, I’m working on that. I’m the one who does the budget, so I take full responsibility!
Will we have a car note in the future? Most likely. My husband’s truck will need to be replaced because of the mileage he puts on it for our business. But, until then…he’s gonna ride out in his vehicle too. Contentment.
That Time (Now) That I am Content
I’m okay with what we have. A beautiful family with two beautiful kids. Food on the table. A house to keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Clothes to wear. Cars to drive. And while the materialistic things may not be the fanciest, they’re ours. And we’re happy with them. We are blessed beyond measure.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with wanting new things. That’s why you work. But, don’t let yourself get caught up in always having to look for something better than what you already have. So, instead of always looking for the next big thing, sit back. Appreciate what you have. Be still. Be content. Count your blessings. There’s probably someone somewhere wishing they had your life! And even if there isn’t, you are blessed.
I Timothy 6:6-8 states “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” Lesson learned.
Thank you for reading! Until next time Comfies! Enjoy your beautiful life!