Society pushes us to want more, always reach for the next rung on the ladder, be more, do more, live more. Advertising tries to tell us and our children that what we have is not enough, that there’s always something better awaiting us if we just reach for it. But that’s contrary to what scripture teaches.

“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth” 1 Tim. 6:6.

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” Phil 4:11-13.

Recently, a friend posted on Facebook this cool quote from ‘The Parent’s Tao Te Ching’ by William Martin.

Make the Ordinary Come Alive

Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives.

Such striving may seem admirable, but it is a way of foolishness.

Help them instead to find the wonder and marvel of an ordinary life.

Show them the joy of tasting tomatoes, apples and pears.

Show them how to cry when pets and people die.

Show them the intimate pleasure in the touch of a hand.

And make the ordinary come alive for them.

The extraordinary will take care of itself.

She commented afterwards that our children’s lives will be a little less rocky if they can be “satisfied with what God blesses us with – whatever that is.” It doesn’t have to be a lot as long as life’s essentials like love, security, food, and shelter are met. How can we teach our children to be content?

• Be content yourself.
• Don’t complain about not getting what you want. Model a spirit of thankfulness.
• Help others who are less fortunate, and let your children help, too.
• Remind children how blessed they and your family are, regardless of how much or how little you have.
• Keep a journal of thanksgiving. It keeps your focus on your blessings rather than on what you lack.
• Point out the beauty in daily life. There are a million things every day that are noteworthy—sunsets, the laughter of children, an act of kindness, sun streaming through windows, the smell of rain, the velvety softness of a kitten. Make your own list!

There are lots of ways to cultivate contentment in your children. How do you do it? Put your suggestions in the comment section.