True wealth

"... godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6.6

In ,my devotions today I was reminded of Socrates' aphorism: "Contentment is natural wealth; luxury, artificial poverty." Not to be confused with complacency, contentment is about appreciating what we have rather than what we lack, or - worse - envying others. This applies to whether we are working, resting or playing. So we are not talking just about being in a settled state but the attitude with which we travel when we are on the move.

Jesus taught his disciples not to be encumbered but to travel light. That teaches us dependence on God, rather than false self-reliance. It also exposes us to the possibility of receiving from others - not in a grasping way but so that we learn to appreciate the gifts of generosity and hospitality, in order that we may be more likely to reciprocate in the future perhaps...

With my Kirk Session's permission, I am experimenting with a 7-day week in order to save up extra time-off to spend with Annice, while she works on the other side of The Minch. It means I have to be more resourceful in creating opportunities for rest - to avoid the treadmill and not lose those moments of appreciation which are so crucial to contentment. Periods of intense activity may be inevitable, yet we should endeavour to keep them temporary, restoring a more balanced approach as soon as possible.