One of the dispositions in our Renewal Domain is "Joy and Contentment". I have always understood “joy” to be one of the gifts of the fruit of the Spirit. But what about “contentment”? In our fast-paced, instant gratification, technology-saturated world, where do they fit? Are you content right now?
In our Year 7 Learning for Life lessons, we have been considering if it's possible to feel joy and contentment whilst we are in the Learning Pit, struggling with new learning. This can occur when gaining new knowledge, practising a new skill, or just needing to understand how things work.
In our discussions, we had to think about whether learning actually takes place if there is no struggle. If you could already do something with ease, did you gain new knowledge or merely go through the motions? When we're in the Learning Pit, we are vulnerable. In this vulnerability, we open our hearts and minds to change and new possibilities.
In Philippians 4:11, we read of Paul sharing that he has learned to be content whatever the circumstance or situation. The secret of this is that he anchored himself (and all his desires) in Christ Jesus.
Michelle Myers (2026) in her blog “She Works His Way” notes that:
“Gratitude says
I see what I have.
Contentment says
what I have is enough.”
Fundamental to Learning for Life at Shire, is our Hope in Christ, sitting in the tension of both being and becoming as Christ shapes us. When our gaze is vertical and not horizontal, we can experience joy and contentment. This joy is available to us in both the learning process and experiences, and contentment beyond our imaginations.
Let’s pray for opportunities for God to show us true joy and contentment this week.
Mrs Rachel Robinson
Academic Head