God sends children for another purpose than merely to keep up the race–to enlarge our hearts, to make us unselfish, and full of kindly sympathies and affections.
Yes, in the poor man’s garden grow far more than herbs and flowers–kind thoughts, contentment, peace of mind, and joy for weary hours.
Mary Howitt (1799-1888) was an English poet. Many of her writings were directed toward younger readers. Her most famous poem captured the tale of “The Spider and the Fly.”
First impressions count
Each smile creates another—
One more happy heart
Lifting up others
Laughter’s contagious spirit—
Feeling heartfelt joy
Sharing contentment
Cheerful heart opens one more—
Spirit’s gentleness
If there were one great message I could deliver to those who struggle with not having an abundance of this world’s goods, it would be this simple yet profound promise for happiness: Great wealth is not related to money! In a word, the secret is contentment.
From Proverbs 16:8: “Better is a little with righteousness than large income with injustice.”
A very early poem of mine was entitled “Still a Desperate Man“ which was inspired by Eric Church’s top country music hit of “Desperate Man.” If you missed the earlier poem, follow the link. I want to thank Jim Borden of Borden’s Blather for encouraging me to write this sequel. I encourage you to check out Jim’s blog with its wonderful and inspiring variety of posts.
Waking up each morning, right on time
My alarm clock allows this day to climb
Feeling happiness—this life now rhymes
Driving to work in a brand new set of wheels
With low monthly payments, my wallet squeals
Feeling joy—kicking up these dancing heels
Returning from work, this day’s in the books
Satisfied with how that hefty, new raise looks
Feeling elation—inviting a new life’s chinook
Opening up the fridge, filled with favorite delights
Dinner tonight, taking taste buds to new heights
Feeling serenity—life marches in bright lights
Opening the mail one quiet afternoon
My love’s note makes this heart swoon
Feeling peace—love takes us to the moon
Looking forward to seeing her this weekend
Her love will always be a blessed godsend
Feeling humility—life no longer at loose ends
This incredible life now follows a new game plan
Sailing calm waters aboard life’s catamaran
No longer will I ever feel like a desperate man
Originally published July, 2020.
From 1 Timothy 6:6-8: “Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it, but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.”
Waking to another day
Spurning Father’s safety rope
This world demands perfection
Without Heaven’s faithful hope
Feeling pressure with each step
Witnessing ungodliness
Imperfect world falling apart
Father’s hope in godliness
Slowing down journey’s high speed
Pausing to count each blessing
Hope pursues His righteousness
Father’s truth now addressing
Discovering contentment
Filling hope with timely grace
Senseless desires abandoned
Father’s peace comes to embrace
Cherishing Oneness in hope
Sending trusted Light to bear
Forgiveness from divine Rock
Father’s Son shall truly care
From 1 Timothy 6:13-14: “ In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in His testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Morning’s cup of Joe
Universal love language—
Sunrise shares her joy
Cup of blessed bliss
Delicious meets liquid gold—
Freshly brewed comfort
Sharing cup with friends
Rendezvous pouring kindness—
Life’s simple moments
Respect was invented to cover the empty place where love should be.
If you look for perfection, you’ll never be content.
Leo (Count Lev Nikolayevich) Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian writer. Many consider him to be one the world’s greatest authors of all-time.
True contentment comes from Godliness in the heart, not from wealth in the hand.
From Philippians 4:11-13: “For I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Needing to slow down
Take time to reflect upon—
Smallest victories
Old-fashioned kindness
Offer gentle courtesy—
Always in style
Creative journey
Endless imagination—
Peaceful contentment
Contentment is the only real wealth.
A heart can no more be forced to love than a stomach can be forced to digest food by persuasion.
Alfred Nobel (1833-1896) was a Swedish chemist, engineer, and philanthropist. While he was known as the inventor of dynamite and blasting caps, his influence has been felt for generations due to his generosity. He bequeathed his personal fortune to fund the Nobel Prize.
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