serendipitous Providential time and read this post in which Contentment is referenced. Something (or Someone) made me click through right then and buy a copy for my Kindle. I don’t usually consider books like this one page-turners, but this one was that for me. I felt like I was just taking it all in as quickly as I possibly could–like I wanted to write it all down and learn it by heart.
Here’s the problem: I have an ungrateful heart. Yes, I do. I don’t see the things I should see, and I see all the things I shouldn’t. I focus on the things I don’t have instead of on the things I do. I doubt that God’s in control of my situation. I lust after the wrong things. Swenson‘s book pulled me up short and made me really examine myself, and obviously, I came up wanting. For several days while reading it, I found myself reexamining my life through a new lens, and what I found is that things are really pretty good. Actually, they’re more than pretty good–because I have Jesus, and He’s enough.
I know I will in no way do this book justice by sharing my halting thoughts about it. In bullet points, here are just a few of the things I love about it:
- It’s interesting. It’s more than just a devotional exercise; Swenson uses sociological studies, history, and personal anecdotes to make his case for contentment.
- It’s chock full of wonderful, thought-provoking, and convicting quotations from the sages of church and secular history. I LOVE a succinct quote (shoot–I even love long, rambling quotes!), and Swenson has collected and expounded on what must be the best on the subject.
- Swenson gives one of the best discussions on the Beatitudes I’ve ever read (or heard). Here’s a snippet from it:
In our first reading of the Beatitudes, we think how marvelous it is that Jesus would speak such kind and encouraging words to the suffering, misunderstood, the passed-over [. . .]
On the second reading, after our magnanimity has been expressed and we feel better about ourselves, we breathe a sigh of relief that at least we are not included in this lineup. What a load of grief Jesus is addressing here–glad that’s not me. Can you imagine this being your list of goals to accomplish in the next decade?
On third reading, we can see that Jesus is speaking to us after all. If we are his disciples, living according to His words and examples, these are the things we can look forward to. This list is precisely what the normal Christian life looks like in its matured state, which is why Carl F. Henry wrote, “Jesus clothes the beatitudes with His own life.”
On fourth reading, we wonder how Jesus is going to pull this off. [. . .]
Answer: The Beatitudes came to life as soon as Jesus uttered them. His words became active the minute they escaped His mouth. They are now the law of eternity. If the first half of the verse describes us, the second half is automatic. He is the power behind these promises, and Jesus does not make idle promises. Everything He says He will do, He does. Everything He says will happen, happens. In fulfilling His promises in the Beatitudes, He brings to bear the same power that created the universe, redeemed it, sustains it, and will judge it.
- Swenson reminds me how worldly my thinking is and my need of sanctification. (Ephesians 5:26 and Romans 12:2)
- He also reminds me of what truly matters in this life.
The timing of my reading this book was really Providential, too. As our homeschool year has started, I’ve realized just how hard what I’m doing really is. Homeschooling two elementary students, wrangling a busy three year old boy, and caring for a five month old infant isn’t just a walk in the park. In order to do this well, I must be content in this place God has called me to. It’s what I’m striving for.
Anyway. This book is excellent. I’d consider it a must-read if you want to grow more like Jesus. Highly, Highly Recommended. (NavPress, 2013)
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This sounds like a good one, one I should look into. We did some upgrades on our home this summer — painting the girls’ rooms, a new bedroom set for us — and I did a fair amount of shopping along with that. I have always hated shopping, but this was FUN. I find myself in a shopping mindset now entirely too much — looking for STUFF. Wanting. I have noticed the change and don’t like it at all — it’s a bad habit of mind.
This sounds like a follow up to the Swenson title I read recently (In Search of Balance). But your books sounds much more inspirational. Thanks for your good post.
I have a love/hate relationship with books about contentment. I am NOT content. I love reading books on the topic and feel convicted. And then, as you say, I feel the need to start back at the beginning and read it all over again (until I get it). This one sounds great.
Adding this to my list now! I don’t think most of us are truly content. You make this sound so interesting that I’m anxious to read it.
Somehow I missed this post. I can see how he lines up with your quote from Bonhoeffer. It’s very satisfying when the different authors we’re reading mesh together.
I’m adding this to my list.
I thoroughly enjoyed (though greatly challenged) the book Choosing Gratitude. It is also worth the reread! http://www.thissimplehome.com/2012/09/choosing-gratitude-by-nancy-leigh-demoss.html If you have read it, I’d be curious how they compare.
Annette,
I did read Choosing Gratitude, and based on my review, I got a lot out of it: /2012/01/10/choosing-gratitude-your-journey-to-joy-by-nancy-leigh-demoss/
In fact, I think I need to go back and re-read it now. 😉 However, I THINK I like Contentment more. I like Swenson’s voice and style.
I’m so glad to have stumbled across your post via 3-D Lessons for Life. I read “Margin” years ago and was greatly inspired then. I MUST pick up “Contentment” for this season in my life. I am a newly-emptied nester with four sons having learned in our school-based home. I loved our homeschooling years, but I’m ready for God to show me His plan for this next season. Thank you for your review!