Content

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 
...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 everything through him who gives me strength.  -Philippians 4:6-7, 11b-13

Last Sunday the chaplain spoke on this passage, attempting to connect contentedness to thanksgiving. My notes: The greater the sense of gratitude for what you have, the less you will be tempted to desire something else. Being content is the converse of anxiousness, with prayer as the differentiator. What is Paul's secret?

I think he reveals the secret to his contentedness in verse 13 (from the Message): Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Personally I'm not there yet. The last year at home with Jocelyn was the most content I've ever been. Yet now I swing somewhere between appeased and anxious with the uncertainty that is inherent in a deployment.

The collage below was taken today in our Aviation DFAC (Dining Facility). I had the honor to serve meals to the Soldiers for the first hour, but the real workers are behind the scene. I supervise the Warrant Officer and NCO in charge of the whole operation and was impressed by their efforts. Imagine trying to cook for 1800 Soldiers, all served within 3 hours! Here are some facts on the food imported just for Thanksgiving. Amazing.

Happy Thanksgiving!