The 'elusiveness' of Contentment

How many of us have ever experienced the feeling of contentment? The feeling that we are totally satisfied, not missing anything, not lacking anything?

Or are we more familiar with the feeling of discontent? Always wanting something more, craving and desiring that which we do not have and which makes us restless?

Can we identify with these feelings?

The discontent that comes with the feeling that our spouse or partner can do better; love us better, treat us better, earn a little more, provide for our needs better, be more attentive to our needs and desires.

Perhaps the dissatisfaction is caused by our kids; for sure they can be better behaved, or do so much better in school and play a little less.

Perhaps it's with our appearance; we could do with looking a little fuller and more voluptuous; or lose the baby fat and look slimmer and fitter.

Or perhaps we need just that latest gadget or accessory that gives us that extra swag and makes us look suave amongst our friends and associates. Or we just need a new toy to play with.

I could go on and on and quite frankly the examples are innumerable.

Some of us try to fill that void in several ways but usually with the aim of finding a substitute or a replacement for that 'deficit'.

So if our partner is not meeting up to expectations, we find a substitute, a replacement or back-up.

In the case of our kids, we 'shape' them into the image we have of them.

As for our bodies, we force them into submission using all means at our disposal from drastic 'diets' to strenuous exercises.

And as for gadgets, hmmm, we can do almost anything. From the orthodox to the unorthodox.

And if by a stroke of luck or fluke any of these measures should temporarily satisfy us, the feeling soon passes and we are back to square one.

My best friend says "There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but by God alone. If we try to stuff anything into that God-shaped hole, we end up disappointed, dissatisfied, restless, discontent and unhappy."

I totally believe that because that's my story. Countless times I have been left desolate while trying to fill a void within me with people and/or objects.

However does that mean it's the case for every feeling of dissatisfaction we get? Not at all. Thomas Edison is quoted as saying "Discontent is the first necessity of progress" and Mahatma Gandhi goes further to say "Healthy discontent is the prelude to progress".

So even while I learn not to be in a hurry to stuff my vacuum with just anything, I invite all those who can identify with this to learn along with me. More importantly, to be able to tell when a feeling of discontent is healthy and when it is not.

However be sure of this, only God satisfies and satisfies completely.