Grace for Contentment

I have been thinking a lot recently about contentment.  This is in no small part because I am not feeling particularly content right now.  I know I should, but something is still missing.

 

The biggest issues around contentment for me currently are materialistic.  I know that.  I know the issues are petty and insignificant.  But I also acknowledge that they are there.

 

My life is good.  I have been blessed with a wonderful wife, a great daughter, a strong and supportive extended family, and jobs that provide plentifully for myself and my family.

 

But human nature makes me want more.

 

The biggest symptom of my discontent is that I want a new car.  Not necessarily new off the manufacturing line, but new for me.  And I want a convertible.  I had a couple convertibles previously, and I have a deep urge to get another.  I don't need one, and I shouldn't enter the expense of buying one.  But I want one just the same.

 

But I am also thankful that God is looking out for me.  It has been easy for me to overcome my discontent so far for a simple reason.  God has opened my eyes to issues with every convertible car I have looked at.  Not just issues with a particular vehicle, but design issues that would hinder the usefulness of each model of car for me. 

 

One model, which I had owned in a previous generation, has lost room in the back seat in the latest redesign.  I don't think that my daughter would be comfortable in the back seat (which is especially sad since she is three years old and in the 10th percentile for height and weight). 

 

Another model has an awkward top mechanism that makes the trunk almost unusable when the top is down.  I can't fathom not being able to fit my work bag, some exercise equipment, and groceries in the trunk while having the top down.  I don't want a convertible if the car isn't also useful.

 

And while I like to looks of many of the two-seat models on the road, I am scared of putting my daughter in the front seat regularly.  Further, I don't want the inconvenience of not being able to carry my wife, my daughter, and I to dinner, or church, or wherever, in my car.  What if my wife's SUV can't be driven for some reason?  Should one of us have to walk (and it would probably be me)? 

 

So I still have my car.  And I do appreciate my car.  It has proven to be very reliable thus far (just crossed the 80,000 mile mark with no major maintenance).  It contains all the features I need, and many more that just make it nice to drive.

 

But I haven't been able to get beyond my discontentment.  I pray that God will change my mind and strengthen me to lead more with my heart.

 

And thus far, my heart hasn't given me any indication that it wants a convertible.