"the winter of discontent"
"I am content with weakness." —2 Corinthians 12:10
Naturally, all human beings have certain expectations. Naturally, these expectations are not always met. This upsets us. Then we wish we had a different vocation, spouse, child, body, job, home, car, etc. We are not content, although the Lord commands us: "Be it little or much, be content with what you have" (Sir 29:23).
We are especially discontented when we not only don't have what we want, but are powerless to do anything about it. When we are too weak to change our lot, we no longer expect to get what we want but expect we will never get it. If we are not content, this leads to a crisis. To be content with our weakness, we must believe that God will change our lot (although we don't see how), and we might also be required to change our original expectations by denying ourselves (Lk 9:23). Otherwise, we will be tempted to despair. A "winter of discontent" is ideally followed by a springtime of faith and unselfishness, but sometimes by a more bitter despair.
Sometimes our lot is not going to change on this side of death. Therefore, we must be content with our weakness, or we will be manipulated by discontent into despair. Be content with what you cannot change and with what God will not change now.
Prayer: Father, as we begin summer in the Northern hemisphere, end my "winter of discontent."
Promise: "If God can clothe in such splendor the grass of the field, which blooms today and is thrown on the fire tomorrow, will He not provide much more for you?" —Mt 6:30
Praise: Warren found the grace to overcome sexual temptations when he dedicated himself to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, January 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 24, 2001