How Much is Enough?

Socrates once said, "He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature." I think he was on to something.

I believe that many of the problems in life come from not being happy with what we have. 

People are constantly chasing after more; more money, more possessions, more success. And once they get that "more," they are already looking for the next thing. It is a never-ending cycle. People get so caught up in what they do not have, they lose sight of how good their lives really are.

I have long known that contentment does not come from accumulating more but from appreciating what is already in front of me. It is not about having everything I want; it is about recognizing that I already have enough, everything I need is already here! 

I was talking to my mom on the phone last week. We were talking about money and social security and this and that. During that conversation, mom mentioned something about “paper towels” being a measure of her financial well-being. While I chuckled at the simplicity of it, it resonated with me in a way that felt familiar! It is easy to lose sight of the good things in our lives when we are too focused on what is missing. But moments like these remind me to pause and take a step back, appreciating what I have instead of always striving for more.

Paul wrote, “...I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:11–13 ESV

These verses have always reminded me that true contentment is not about our circumstances. It is all about learning to be satisfied with what we have, no matter what!

I may not have everything I want, but I have everything I need, and that is enough for today!

I want to encourage you to stop focusing on what you do not have and start appreciating what you do. When you learn to live in this way, contentment comes naturally! Sometimes, no, most of the time, it is not the big events that bring me peace. It is the simple moments, like the warmth of the sun on my face during a walk or the laughter shared over a cup of coffee with a friend. For me, it is in the small things, like having enough for today, whether it's a roll of paper towels or a deep sense of peace. And as long as I can keep that focus, I know I will be okay.

I have done this before, but I want to encourage you to try something. Each day, take a moment to write down three things you are grateful for, no matter how small. Over time, you will notice that your focus shifts from what you do not have to what you already possess.

In today’s world, where we are bombarded with images of the 'perfect' life, it is easy to forget that what truly matters is not how much we accumulate, but how much we appreciate the simple blessings already in our lives.

“Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have.” — Anonymous 

by Jeanette Stark - Monday, March 10, 2025