Contentment

I must say that these days I feel a deep sense of contentment.  The more time passes, the older I get, the more this seems to be true.  It is, of course, a completely new experience for me.   During the years I was actively parenting, there was always some family concern, some event, something that had to be done, running from this to that, demands to be met.    During the years that I was working full time in ministry, there was some church concern, or statistic, or meeting, or tradition, or financial situation, or parishioner's need always pressing down on me.

Now, I don't feel pressing needs, or the drive to get things accomplished.   Rather, what I mostly feel is a lot of joy in the moment.  After feeling a great deal of restlessness for many years,  my greatest hope for my life was to achieve serenity, and I think I've got it!   I know, of course, that a state of contentment or serenity is a temporary thing, and can vanish in a heartbeat, as concerns press down, or something happens, or life changes significantly.    And it will.

But for this moment, this summer, there are many pleasures.  I love a cool evening breeze. Reading a good book. A workout playing tennis.  Visiting with family and friends.  Meeting new people.   Corn on the cob.  Watermelon.  Flowers.   This week I am enjoying a double bunch of my favorite flower, gladiolas.  

Life is lovely.  I am content.