Content (adj) in a state of peaceful happiness.

Content (n) the things that are held or included in something;
information made available by a website or other electronic medium.

Interestingly enough, the word ‘content’ seems have maintained the same meanings throughout its evolution. Both in the Latin contetus and continere, the first referring to contained or satisfied and the second, from to hold together or enclose. This, along with the early 15^th century Old French translation of contenter, to be satisfied, illustrates the word has been used unchanged for a very long time. Did you know words spelled the same but with different pronunciations are called heteronyms?  Tuck that bit of information away for the next time you play Jeopardy! 

In today’s world, when we hear the word content, it is often in relation to websites, social media or programming. There is a constant pressure to prepare engaging content to maintain an audience of viewers and readers.  Whatever is contained in a presentation, the subject and supporting information, is all content.

Our lives have content being produced unceasingly. Bombarded by the influences around us, the unseen and the tangible – work, school, family, friends, news, societal norms, heritage – all can influence what each day contains. What do we keep?  How do we filter?  Some of it, we can’t control.  The content of today may also be the product of our current circumstances, good or bad.

What we can manage is the other aspect of content.  Can you be content in the midst of your current circumstances?  It doesn’t mean we stop pursuing our goals, but the effort in working towards the endgame is much more enjoyable if we can find that sweet spot of being content in the moment.

I struggled with contentment for several years.  As a newly single mom, I wanted to have a whole family again – I wanted the dad for my son; I wanted a husband to walk alongside me.  My efforts were to no avail and I made wildly poor decisions trying to attain what I thought was the right goal for my life.  After stumbling and falling countless times, I was exhausted by my efforts. I came to a realization, through a great deal of prayer, love and support of close friends and family, that the life I was currently living – was a good life. Not without struggle, however, it was rewarding. The daily routines were fulfilling.  Finding contentment changed my focus away from my circumstances. It freed me to direct my attention elsewhere other than myself.  I had time to devote to others.  Then, a very interesting thing happened.  The moment I began to concentrate attention outward, I became even more content, more settled and more joyful. There was a sense of calm rather than the chaos of striving. For me, it was a process steeped in faith – let go and let God.  I allowed the content of my life to be directed by Him rather than circumstances.

How does the content of your days influence your pursuit of being content?