Seeking contentment

The world is in turmoil, both at home and far away. From economics to mental health to wars, there are plenty of things to worry about. It’s as if we are in a constant state of grief.

So what does one do? We have to carry on until our days are done. As I wrote a little while ago, it’s important to count our blessings. It’s important to know that no matter how tough life may be or seem to be, there is usually much to be thankful for. Dark times come from illness, death of a loved one or from financial stress, but the sadness becomes less and the sunshine of blessings can be found.

In dark times, I have some touchstones. I will share one with you. In the Netherlands during WWII, the ten Boom family were watchmakers. The dad, the mom and two daughters were all in the watch business. When Germany invaded Netherlands, their town came under the harsh German rule. They were Christians but hid some Jewish people in their home. I believe the hideaways were kept safe, but the family were imprisoned in a work camp. The parents died and after much mistreatment, so did one of the daughters. Her death was hastened by being beaten by one very nasty guard. But one daughter, Corrie ten Boom survived.

In 1947, she later wrote she was speaking in Germany to many different groups of very downtrodden defeated people. After one meeting, where she spoke on God’s forgiveness, a man came to the front to meet her and she recognized him as the guard who had beaten her sister. He said how wonderful it was to be forgiven by God but he