I’d rather be. . .

They are everywhere. Today I saw a truck with the tag reading, “I’d rather be fishing.” Recently I’ve seen “I’d rather be hiking,” “I’d rather be kayaking,” and “I’d rather be flying.”

I suppose there also are “I’d rather be. . .
cycling, gardening, golfing, camping, swimming, and dancing.”

These are playful displays of hobbyists and enthusiasts of all sorts who love their favorite pastimes. But they also remind us of the constant wanderlust within us, that desire to be on vacation when we should be concentrating on our work. They ring true because, even if we wouldn’t rather be doing THAT, we often would rather be doing something else, be somewhere else, or be someone else.

My personal favorite is “I’d rather be anywhere but here.” It’s the ultimate “rather” which takes wishing to another level. The problem isn’t that we shouldn’t want to improve our situation, get some rest, find some quiet, or even escape boredom, all legitimate desires.

The problem is that many seem never to be okay right where they are, and find it difficult to adapt to less-than-perfect conditions. Perpetually unhappy, rathers become their reality.

The Apostle Paul explains that it is possible to overcome this restlessness. Thanking the Philippians for their generous offering which had instantly moved him from poverty to plenty, he adds. . .

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13

Over time, Paul had (1) learned contentment. It does not seem to be natural to humans, but rather is an acquired trait. And what he learned (2) was the “secret” that contentment comes only through Jesus and the power He brings.

So we conclude that we, too, may find contentment as we complain less about circumstances and lean more into the strength of Jesus. Perhaps we should print some bright, bold bumper stickers reading,
“I’D RATHER BE CONTENT.”
Do you think they would sell?

“Father, help us learn Paul’s secret, which no longer is a secret. Help us walk with Jesus and choose, if necessary, to be hungry with Him
rather than well-fed without Him.
Amen.”


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