A farmer lived on the same farm all his life. It was a good farm, but over the years, the farmer began to tire of it.
He longed for a change — for something "better."
Every day, he found a new reason for criticizing some feature of the old place.
Finally, he decided to sell, and listed the farm with a real estate broker who promptly prepared a sales advertisement.
The ad emphasized all the farm's advantages: ideal location, modern equipment, healthy stock and acres of fertile ground.
Before placing the ad, the Realtor called the farmer and read the text to him for his approval. When he had finished, the farmer said, "Hold everything! I've changed my mind. I am not going to sell. I've been looking for a place like that all my life."
People sometimes become blinded to their blessings.
That most of us have a roof over our heads is something for which to be grateful. But how many complain about their house, because for some reason they feel as though they deserve a bigger, better one?
We all have clothing on our backs. But how many complain when those clothes lack designer labels or come from the "wrong" store?
Can you be content with the material things you have? Can you refrain from spending money you don't have, or money that needs to be saved for a catastrophe?
If the answer is no, I would invite you to determine why your heart is restless and unsettled.
Are you happy with the direction your life is going? Do you feel like there must be something more, or better, or different waiting for you? Is something else going on that is keeping you stirred up?
If you are unsettled, perhaps you are looking for a kind of contentment that cannot come from material possessions, but only from God's hand. If you are not living a contented, fulfilling life, perhaps you are looking for happiness in the wrong places and in the wrong ways.
Jesus Christ provides the kind of happiness and contentment we each look for. He will open the door to lead you in right paths. Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, then everything else will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33).
God first; everything else second — because everything else is secondary to your relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving Day is approaching quickly. Will you recognize the goodness that surrounds you? Will you be truly thankful for all you have? Will you seek God first in every aspect of your life?
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Be content with what you have