That’s Not Your Bone!

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Philippians 4:13

I’m keeping my nine-year-old grand dog, Ginny. She is accustomed to being left alone in her own comfortable world. We have an eight-month-old lab, Duke. Need I say more? I am writing my own version of War and Peace!

Today I gave them each a rawhide bone. Duke immediately took his bone to a corner of the yard and began chewing. Ginny briefly held onto her bone, then dropped it and began inching her way over to Duke. Obviously, Ginny thought Duke’s bone looked better. I lured Ginny back to her own bone, but she soon lost interest again and focused upon stealing Duke’s bone. This happened repeatedly, until finally she lost interest in both bones and walked away.

Duke noticed the unattended bone. Carrying his own bone, he lay on top of Ginny’s. Now he had both bones! I intervened once again, giving Ginny her bone. As I write, both dogs are contentedly chewing their own bone. Success!

I witnessed Aesop’s fable with a twist. What is the lesson? Be content with your own bone! Do you know people who are not content with what they have? From their perspective, someone else’s position, lifestyle, spouse…looks better. They become fixed upon what they want, thinking that is the key to happiness or success. Is it?

Paul described contentedness as something that is learned, not gained. He had been through times of need and times of abundance, but he learned the secret of being content in every situation. He declared, I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). Paul understood that true, lasting contentment is not found in things or circumstances but in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Have you grown dissatisfied with your circumstances? Will you remain focused upon what you want or will you keep your focus on God, asking Him to develop in you a spirit of thankfulness for what He has chosen to give you?

Lord, help me learn to be content in whatever circumstance You allow.

Jan Burkhart