Happy & Content

I am always learning when I come on missions trips. The people of El Salvador teach me so much. I realize after living in Canada that I have much to learn. As we visited the families today that we will be building the houses for Carlos (our translator) would ask them how they are. They all replied the same.....happy and content. That is hard for us Canadians to grasp. Happy and content? Happy and content while living on dirt floors? Happy and content as they struggle to have food for the day? Happy and content when there is over 70% unemployment rate and they cannot find work? Yes happy and content! They are happy and content despite their circumstances. That is what they teach me! Everytime I come here they teach me this great lesson. A message we as Canadians don't get. Paul also gave us this message when he wrote in Philippians 4:11-13
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 all this through him who gives me strength.
May I never forget the message that has been given by Paul and the people who's homes we are going to build this week. May I be happy and content despite my circumstances. God help me to live this out in my everyday life.