Contentment

Contentment in this world we live in is often hard to find. As an unfortunate result of this reality there are few people, or so it would seem, that are living in such a way that manifests a since of calm and tranquility, regardless of their circumstances. How many people do you know that worry and fret too much over the future or the past? How many people lack a since of internal peace?
We are told John 15:4, that Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. We as creatures made in the image and likeness of God are called to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28). Therefore, if we are to fulfill this calling we must live in Christ. We must surrender ourselves completely unto His Will and Divine Mercy. From this laying down of our life for Christ, we regain it in the fruits that He gives to us, pressed down and flowing over (Luke 6:38). Of these fruits is the gift of peace.
Peace is manifested by a total abandonment of ourselves to Christ. A way of life that promotes interior peace is pleasing to God; hence, it ought to be a goal of all people. Therefore, I wish to share some thoughts on peace that were shared with me:

• Never allow yourself to complain about anything -- even the weather.
• Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else.
• Never compare your lot with another's.
  
• Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.
• Never dwell on tomorrow -- remember that tomorrow is God's, not ours.
  

I cannot complain, because this Sunday has been filled will all things good. I awoke at my home, to the sound of my mom and dad in the kitchen. At eight we were joined by my sister and we went to partake in the most holy sacrifice of the Mass, and afterward the four of us and my oldest brother along with his wife joined in on the day. What a glorious day it has been too. The sun is full with a slight breeze, the kind you would feel in an open meadow on a spring morning. The six of us ate and chatted until one of my uncles and his wife came by to do the same. There we all sat, enjoying family, food, and good company.
Prudence dictated that I stayed no later than mid-morning, and so when the noon bell was approaching, I went on my merry way. An hour plus and a rosary later and now I'm in Lawrence again studying away. Evenso, the best part of this weekend was not the drinks or the bar, but the time I was given with my family, and the love that I saw in so many of their eyes.
The Sunday after my Grandma and Grandpa Wilson's 50th wedding anniversary.