The older I get, the less and less things I get excited about in this world. Spiritually speaking, I think that’s a good thing, but I must admit that I miss the excitement that I used to feel.
For instance, on the night that I’m writing this article, I have just finished spending the day with the family at Dollywood, which is a theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It’s basically a little bit smaller replica of Silver Dollar City with a few quirks that make it different, but not much.
My children had the time of their lives, even though we only made it a few hours before the rain came in and stayed the rest of the day. The rain didn’t deter us, but it was not a welcome addition to the day.
I didn’t feel any excitement. I’m not saying that I didn’t enjoy myself, because I did, but I never felt excited about anything either, just mainly indifferent. I could take it or leave it. I enjoy seeing other people enjoy themselves, so that’s the big payoff for me, well, that and eating my way through the park.
As we were driving to our rented house at the end of the day, Kendall was asking everyone to tell of their favorite thing from the day and when it got to my turn, I realized that I felt contented throughout the day, but never excited.
It made me think of the words of the Apostle Paul from Philippians 4:11-13,
11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
It could be easily argued, and rightly, that the passage above doesn’t exactly line up with what I’m talking about, but I do think that indifference and contentment are strangely similar. I’m still trying to process this thought fully myself. Here’s what I’m thinking so far:
Let’s go to the definitions! First, here’s the definition of indifference – lack of interest, concern or sympathy. Second, here’s the definition of contentment – a state of happiness or satisfaction.
Here’s where I see the link. I’m indifferent in the sense that there are many things that I once found interesting, that I no longer feel interested in, such as, amusement parks. I’m content because regardless of whatever situation I find myself in, there’s an undercurrent of happiness and satisfaction because of what Jesus has done for me.
The common misunderstanding is that when I find myself in a situation that I’m not personally interested in (indifference), the satisfaction I feel in Christ (contentment) doesn’t overpower my face, so I often have an expressionless look when I’m in situations I’m not crazy about.
It’s negative because the expressionless look is not a good look on me. It’s positive because while I don’t look excited, I’m not begrudging my situation in any way because I realize that no matter what I’m experiencing in this life, either enjoyable or unenjoyable, exciting or dull, fun or boring, I’m fine with any and all of these situations. I’ve learned that too much of any of them can be problematic, so I do my best to find the good in all situations, and in this way, I attempt to relate to my brother Paul.
If this article seems a bit strange, it probably is! It’s just my way of trying to process what I’ve been experiencing on this trip and share it with you.
I have found that I am MOST contented, MOST excited and MOST genuinely happy when I am, in some way, serving the Lord. I don’t believe this is unique to me. I believe it’s a gift given by God Himself to his children when they do His will and not their own. The best part is that the more you do God’s will and not your own, the more your desires become like the desires of God.
Much love!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
