Contentment

She stressed each word as she said it.
"Contentment has nothing to do with our circumstances."
This, after several weeks studying the Matriarchs in Sunday school.
And of course, I agreed.  God's call to contentment does not come with a promise of easy circumstances or even a change in them.  Take a look at Hagar (whom my heart went out to...she had it rough) or Rachel(who seemed to have a lot going for her).  In the middle of a hard day, or week, or even year, we can be content in our hearts because of who He is not because of what's going on around us.
So, I was a little surprised last week when we were having good days:  cheerful attitudes from the kids, productive days, parties, etc...  and my heart was not content.  It was grumpy at times, a little downtrodden.  And guess what?  It had nothing to do with my (pretty good) circumstances.  They do not pacify my sin.  I was reminded (after I caught on) that those "good days" that I long for are good things but they are not the recipe for a content heart.  This is:

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:11-13