I listened today to the story of Baucis and Philemon, which I had encountered last year when reading A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys to the kids. I love this story of hospitality and fidelity, and this description of their contented lifestyle struck me:
Not ashamed of their poverty, they made it endurable by moderate desires and kind dispositions. One need not look there for master or for servant; they two were the whole household, master and servant alike.
Though I may not be poor, my desires can often outstrip my means, causing me to be discontent with what I do have. The idea that I should moderate those desires to my circumstances, instead of allowing them to go unchecked, is one I need to contemplate and put into practice, with God’s help.
Wednesday with Words is hosted by ladydusk.
Jason was reading an article about this last night, that having moderate desires leads to contentment rather than always wanting better and better and being dissatisfied. I like this a lot. We'll get there sometime in Age of Fable. We're enjoying it too.
Just started reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp and her thoughts on gratitude. Your thoughts above jelled nicely with what I've read so far – gratitude leads to contentment. Lovely quote.