Are you ever saddened by an occurrence that really has little or nothing to do with your life personally, but for whatever reason, stirs emotion inside of you? If you answer in the affirmative, I’d be curious for you to share your story with me sometime. Being fairly certain that your story will differ greatly from my own, it might offer intriguing conversation! Any idea what saddens this girl’s heart? Based on the post title Contented Souls, perhaps discontentment is the answer you proposed; but in reality, it’s checking out a book from the library that has never been opened, or at least, someone was so careful with the handling of the book that it appears unread.

Now, I understand that the valuable information inside may have been found extremely cherished in other copies, but for some reason, the copy available to me never reached the hands of an interested reader. Thankfully, this is not what occurred recently as I read The Contented Soul by Lisa McMinn, but it happens all too often these days. Instead, what I discovered was not only priceless insight, but someone carefully marked important passages with a pencil! That is a sign that someone cares for the book.

More importantly than not using ink between book pages is the content McMinn shares as she invites us to “Slow down, be still, and learn the art of savoring life.” What she reveals, in my mind, mirrors the idea of Flourishing at Life, and I hope this attempt to share just a few of the key concepts with you is as meaningful for you as it was for me upon reading her precious words. In each chapter, McMinn outlines one of eight characteristics she sees exemplified in Contented Souls, those who have allowed shalom to seep into their bones. ”Many of them are trying to live the Good Life, a moral life, a life exemplified by love. They tend to live with hope, believing God is already the Victor and miracles happen. And finally, they live with peace—souls reconciled to and loved by God, who promises never to leave or forsake us. An ability to accept suffering, a consistent movement toward authentic connection with others, and holding to the hope for shalom.”

Engaging in some excellent material relating to this concept of Contented Souls, McMinn adds her perceptiveness to the others when she describes the following characteristics of contentment: (1) souls that belong rather than consume; (2) postures that take fortitude and a willingness to sit with struggle; (3) hearts that exhibit life-giving mellowness; (4) limits are accepted and embraced; (5) lives are nourished with intentionality; (6) relationships are nurtured and appreciated; (7) connections are made to the mindfulness of life and our life-sustaining connection to the earth; and (8) memories acknowledge God’s ongoing sustenance and plan for redemption.

As much as I would love to offer a magic formula to anyone struggling today to savor life and live peacefully, that is beyond my abilities; however, one thing I can share is that I have Holy Confidence that becoming a Contented Soul will not happen under my own strength. With Clenched Fists I grip tightly to the things of this world which typically leads to feelings of discontent and angst. Yet, there will come a sense of peace and stillness, for all of us, when we ask God for the help to pursue the spiritual maturity it takes to develop the eight characteristics McMinn notes in her book. May you find shalom in the days ahead.

Reference:

McMinn, L.G. (2006). The contented soul: The art of savoring life. IVP Books. (BV 4501.3.M378)