Before retirement, I worked as an elementary principal in a Christian school. My office sometimes had student visitors sent because of a behavioral transgression. On one occasion, a teacher brought a fifth-grade girl who was caught stealing from the school store. I can’t remember what trinket she pocketed, but I remember our conversation vividly. I asked her why she took the item, and her response was quite simple. She said, “I wanted it.”
What I told that student holds true for all of us. I told her that there will always be something to want. I proceeded to talk about integrity, coveting, and consequences but, years later, these are the two things that I remember.
I wanted it.
There will always be something to want.
Content in Every Situtation
Paul talked about learning to be content in every situation. It’s a scripture that we hear often, but let’s look at it closely. Paul says, “I have learned the secret …” NIV. The King James Version uses the word instructed.
Contentment is not a natural trait. In fact, our nature is to be discontent, even for Paul. He had to learn it, just as we do. Paul experienced plenty and want. Abundance can lead us to pride while being in need tends to bring humility.
We can guard against pride by embracing a heart of thanksgiving. It points us to the supremacy of Christ. Thanksgiving is a designated national holiday, but as Christians, we should make every day a day of thanksgiving. Starting our day with a prayer of thanks may be the secret Paul spoke of; the instruction leading to contentment.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13 NIV
Kathleen Neely is a retired elementary principal, and enjoys time with family, visiting her two grandsons, traveling, and reading.
She is the author of The Street Singer, Beauty for Ashes, The Least of These, In Search of True North and Arms of Freedom. Kathleen won second place in a short story contest through ACFW-VA for her short story “The Missing Piece” and an honorable mention for her story “The Dance”. Both were published in a Christmas anthology. Her novel, The Least of These, was awarded first place in the 2015 Fresh Voices contest through Almost an Author. She has numerous devotions published through Christian Devotions.
Kathleen continues to speak to students about writing and publication processes. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
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With each page of the age-old journals, Annie discovers all that unites her with a woman who once lived in her farmhouse. One lived with wealth and one with poverty, but both knew captivity. Both longed to be free.
Miriam yearns to escape her life as a super model. She drops the pseudonym and uses the name she gave up years ago—Annie Gentry. Then she alters her appearance and moves to rural South Carolina to care for her grandmother. Can she live a simple life without recognition? Can she hide a net worth valued in the millions? Love is nowhere in her plans until she meets a man who wants nothing more than Annie Gentry and the simple life he lives.
Charlotte lived in the same farmhouse in the tumultuous 1860’s. The Civil War was over, but for a bi-racial girl, freedom remained elusive. She coveted a life where she wouldn’t bring shame to her family. A life where she could make a difference. As she experiences hope, will it be wrested from her?
The journals stop abruptly with a climactic event, leaving Annie to search for information. What happened to Charlotte? Did her life make a difference? Did she ever find freedom?