“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” ~ Socrates

“I’d like to live as a poor man with lots of money.” ~ Pablo Picasso

Have you ever met a person who had it all in life? Have you ever asked someone if they have all they need in life, have no visions or dreams and want nothing else? At every point in our lives, we want more. Maybe more ideas, more money, more friends, more knowledge, more…, more…, more… I believe God created us humans this way because He knows we humans are quick to make themselves semi-gods if we have it all. God knows a lot of people will have no need for Him once they have it all.  Remember the story of the rich man in Luke 12:16-20? Who taught he had it all and was ready to eat, drink, and be merry for the rest of his life? He didn’t need God anymore did he? He had it all, but God called him a fool and declared his soul would be required of him that very night.

At this point in my life, I know money is not the right solution to every problem. You doubt me? Can you think of several wealthy people who have committed suicide? Although Ecclesiastes 10:19 states “… and money is the answer for everything” (NIV). If you have an in-depth understanding of this verse, it does not state money is the best answer or the right solution to every problem. In-fact, If you go back some chapters, precisely Ecclesiastes 1:2 states “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” (NIV). Do you know that every person you meet in life has one need or the other no matter how wealthy he/she is?

Can I quickly introduce you to Elon Reeve Musk? He is the CEO of the electric car maker Tesla. Elon Musk is worth $15.9 billion dollars, but if you know your onions in the technology world, you know Elon Musk continuously comes up with ideas on how to make the world a technologically advanced place. Does this give you a clearer picture that no one person has it all in life? No matter how much you have attained in life, you will always want something more. Even wealthy people who you think have it all still want more.

Although we are created with an insatiable desire to want more, contentment in your current state must be grasped and practiced. You have to balance being content with where you are and your desire for more. Just remember that nobody has it all. Contentment is a learned principle of life. You have to train yourself in the act of contentment. For some people, this principle is easily acquired. Why? Because these people know you cannot use another person’s wristwatch to set your own time. All fingers are not equal. Each of us was created as a unique masterpiece with our own race to run. For others, contentment is a daily struggle, but one which must be mastered if you want a fulfilling life.

Sometimes it will appear you are behind in this race called life. Always hold on to the fact that no matter how far others appear to have reached in life, no one person has it all. When you look at where you are right now, and are appreciative of how far you’ve come and own your “now” moment, you my friend, have simply mastered the act of contentment.