Contentment

Philippians 4:11-13
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

We haven't posted in a week. I'd like to say it's because I was busy, which I was. But really it's because there hasn't been much to report. Tammy's progress is slow and steady. Sometimes it's hard to think of something to write that's new.

Many times I'll get an inspiration from the sermon at church, and today was no exception. We had a guest speaker, a young man who is a missionary in Japan. He spoke on Philippians 3:12-21, where the Apostle Paul talks about not being finished in his Christian growth. He also talked about being content in our situations, and how our perspective affects what we see.

In one sense Tammy's recovery has gone quickly. We're 2/3 of the way through the 100 days, as today is Day 67. But when we look at it day by day, it seems to drag. We knew this would be a long, drawn-out process, but I guess we didn't quite realize how slowly it would go. We have to take a step back and think about where she was a week ago or a month ago to understand that she is getting better.

Tammy is doing well. She's gradually getting her strength back. Her blood counts continue to go up. Everything is going according to schedule. We're content in the progress.

We had a wonderful visit this afternoon from some very close friends from Oklahoma. They are in town visiting their daughter and they came over to the house to see us. We laughed a lot and told old stories that still make us feel good. One of the memories we talked about was when we took a vacation together to some remote cabins in Northwest Arkansas. It was so relaxing. We blocked out everything that was going on in our worlds. We were content.

Contentment doesn't mean whistling past the graveyard saying everything is great when deep down we don't feel that it is. Contentment really doesn't even mean happiness. It means being satisfied with where God has us at the moment. Remember that Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians while he was in jail.

The only way we can truly be content is to completely trust God. We know that He has a perfect plan, and we can't wait to find out the next step. We are helped tremendously by the support we have received from so many of you. You have helped us look at the positive side, at the blessings God has provided us through a difficult time. You have helped us be content.

We pray that you have an awesome week.