11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have (Philippians 4: 11).

We’ve just returned from a road trip where we drove 4850 miles, pulling a 19 foot camper that was our home for eighteen days. Our space was cozy and for the most part, fit our needs. Even our pup, Rudy, enjoyed the smaller space. You see, he was right with us, whether in our smaller home on wheels, or in our vehicle in his little seat.

 

Rudy was content in his space. I was content too. I didn’t have a dishwasher. I had two pans to cook in. We used basic tools to eat. I didn’t have one candle to burn! But I was fine in my digs.

How often do we wish for something more? I confess, I have. This trip was a reminder to me how much I can be thankful for. As we rolled along the highways those many miles, I was attracted to dwellings that were deserted. I wondered what happened to those people. Did they give up their adventure of new land and opportunity? Did they build someplace else?

Somewhere in Nebraska

The passage from Paul, the Apostle, goes on to say this:

12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength (Philippians 4:12-13).

I  have always known I would have a meal. But I have lived on a steep budget, and other times when I had more. I have learned through the difficult times in my life that it was the strength that Christ gave me that helped me go on. He gives me strength in the good times. The hungry times. The sad times. The in-between times.

Perhaps we can learn from Rudy. He enjoys being close to us, his new family. We can learn from the apostle as well, to be content in every situation–through Christ.

Enjoy the waning days of summer–and of course flowers! These from Nebraska and Idaho. Aren’t they lovely?