Contentment and Change

How do we reconcile personal contentment with the desire to see change in society on a greater scale? It's a question many of us struggle with every day.

As her Christmas gift for the family last year my daughter Tracy created an elaborate game which combined strategy, skill, a scavenger hunt, puzzles and action. We all had fun, so she made up another version for this year which we played yesterday.

When she and her husband and two sons arrived at our house, her two-year-old, Vale, was wearing a zip-up sweater and declared himself to be Mr. Rogers, which is one of the most adorable things I've ever seen. He loves Mr. Rogers and can sing along with most of the opening theme song. Tracy had received a letter informing her that she's on the dean's list. She put it on our refrigerator reminiscent of the days of good report cards from elementary school. My 12-year-old grandson, Farrand, displayed his knowledge and talents in amazing ways throughout the game. Allen and the boys built a Lincoln log village afterward.

I'm not writing of these things to boast, especially knowing that Christmastime is less than ideal for many. I write of them to say how much simpler life would be for most of us to shut out what's happening in the world and live in isolation, keeping to ourselves, seeking personal contentment and happiness. My family had a wonderful time yesterday, and it was easy to forget what's going on around the country and in our own community. And there are days that I think oblivious living is a good path. Some days it is the path I do, indeed, choose.

But as many people are set to celebrate the birth of Jesus this week, I recall the scripture which is often cited as the beginning of his public ministry, as recorded in Luke 4. Jesus went into the synagogue and read from the prophet Isaiah declaring that, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

For those of us who are disciples of Jesus, students of his teaching, he is to be our example for how to live in the world. More than 2,000 years after he spoke of proclaiming the Lord's favor, his words are more poignant than ever. If ever there was a time when people are poor, imprisoned, oppressed and blinded to so many things, needing to hear good news, that time is now. To celebrate the birth of Christ, it is time for this generation to celebrate his life and teachings and put words into action.

Finding contentment with friends and family is a wonderful feeling. Not being satisfied until those around us have equal ability to be free, content and filled with joy is our calling as believers. Personal contentment must spur us on to do what we can to make circumstances better for our neighbors and to leave the world a better place for our children and grandchildren. A two year old who admires Mr. Rogers gives me hope, but most of all he provides the encouragement I need to keep moving forward to help change what needs to be changed.