Someone once observed that the grass may be greener on the other side, but it still needs mowing. I guess it is a matter of your perspective.

Here it is early September, and the grass is still green at my house. I just mowed it again yesterday. Usually by this time of year it is yellow or brown and brittle, barely growing at all. Not because of the changing season, but because of extreme heat and a lack of rain.

However, this year we have not only had an abundance of rain, but it has come at regular intervals and not all at once. That is very unsual for us in this area. So I don’t mind the extra mowing late in the year. In fact, it reminds me just how blessed we are.

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

I think those words are a good reminder. When you stop and consider just how blessed you have been in your life and how blessed you are right now, you have reason to be content. Those who live in the United State have a significantly higher standard of living than most of the world’s population. Even the poorest Americans have a higher income level than the global middle-income standard. We are blessed.

Even with all our material wealth, that is not the main source of my contentment. My contentment comes from knowing what Jesus has done for me. One hymn writer did a good job of summarizing this thought.

I am content! My Jesus ever lives,
In whom my heart is pleased.
He has fulfilled the law of God for me,
God’s wrath he has appeased,
Since he in death could perish never,
I also shall not die forever.
I am content! I am content!

I am content! My Jesus is my head;
His member I shall be.
He bowed his head when on the cross he died
With cries of agony.
Now death is brought into subjection
For me by Jesus’ resurrection.
I am content! I am content!

I am content! My Jesus is my light,
My radiant sun of grace.
His cheering rays beam blessings forth for all,
Sweet comfort, hope, and peace.
This Easter sun has brought salvation
And ever lasting exultation.
I am content! I am content!

I am content! At length I shall be free,
Awakened from the dead,
Arising glorious evermore to be
With you, my living head.
The chains that hold my body, sever;
Then shall my soul rejoice forever.
I am content! I am content!
(Lutheran Service Book #468)