Blog 3829 – 05.17.2026
A Satisfied Mind
They say that The Secret to a happy and fulfilling life is found in an attitude of gratitude, the ability to look for and see in whatever situation that we find ourselves, something to appreciate. The old song says, “Richer by far with a satisfied mind.”
I remember one student preacher in my Bible College days delivering his Senior Sermon in chapel service quoting the purported words of the Apostle Paul saying, “I have learned to be content in whatsoever state I am in.” The young would be preacher added for humor, “But Paul never lived in Texas.” The students at my Bible College came from all over the states and even the world. One of my best friends was from Sidney, Australia. And they like most of us had a tendency to think the the place they were from was the sweetest, most wonderful, and best on place earth, yet the more we travel and are open to new experiences the more we come to realize that every place has something of beauty to commend itself. And Paul or who ever wrote that line about being content wherever they were got that one right.
Little ego, that little may-sayer and malcontent, is forever trying to make and keep us unhappy with our current situation. One of the names that we call this puny false god of our own creation is Satan, a word which literally means “accuser of the brethren, sower of discontent.” He/she does that job so very well.
Today’s picture quote describes so well how people seem to always want the opposite of what they have. Like many men I am and have been for all of this adventure in space and time quite fascinated by the female form in all of its variations. Women, itty bitty or large, never seem to be content with their size, weight or appearance. We men are probably to blame for that because we have a tendency to objectify women. Still it amazes me that even the most physically beautiful women are never satisfied with their looks. A wise woman learns to accentuate her best features to frame and to keep a man’s attention on her best assets. We men are such simple creatures and so easy to distract and captivate.
Men and women alike fall victim to this never ending cycle of “bait and switch” that ego tries to perpetuate upon us to keep us forever off-balance and discontent with our situation. Don’t misunderstand me, there is nothing wrong with trying to better ourselves or in pursuing goals, but when we find ourselves never satisfied no matter what we have achieved or where we are perhaps we should re-examine our priorities and perceptions.
Learning to see the good in every situation, in everyone, and even ourselves is what a satisfied mind is all about.
Your friend and fellow traveler,
David James White
A Satisfied Mind by Porter Wagoner – 1955 (with lyrics)
theencouragingword 