“I always want to be six.”

With our final family game played, we raked all of the Spot It cards back into a small pile on the floor. The older two boys pulled themselves off the rug at their daddy’s instructions to brush teeth and crawl in bed. A few tired whines were grumbled, but for the most part, everyone was ready on this mid-December night. All of us exhausted from school days and end-of-the-year ministry.

Luke, my six-year-old, came over to me in the dining room and found me smoothing the table-cloth and pushing in chairs.

“Carry me.” He said. Holding up two lanky arms covered in a Teenage Mutant Ninja print robe.

How can a mama resist? No day has been too-long when you can pick up that little snuggle muffin. So I did. His little legs wrapped around my waist now, he buried his face in my neck and hugged hard.

And then he said words, seemingly out of nowhere, and rather poignant if I do say so myself.

“I always want to be six.”

His observation took me aback. Most children so eager to grow taller, and be stronger, and run faster. Many kids wanting cell phones and begging to watch PG 13 movies.

Not this one.

He is a good steward of six. Recognizing all of its perks and pleasures.

We spend many of our days wishing away the present. Dreaming of different days which hold uncertain promises of less busy or more money or lower weight or a higher calling.

“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.” Phil 4:11-12

Paul, writing with chain-bound wrists from a Roman prison, addresses the Christian Church of Phillipi with a similar awareness of Luke’s late-night hug . CONTENTMENT.

We can make peace with today because Jesus is present in it. No matter what.

You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Psalm 139:5

He is before you. And behind you. But He is also Emmanuel , God with you. Today.

Contentment isn’t a contingency.

Contentment is a conscious decision to trust Jesus with your now.

Circumstances change, but God doesn’t.

You can have confidence in your God. He never fails. Not once.

He wants to take care of you today – in your lonesome marriage. In your depleted bank account. In your uncertain health. In relational hardship. TURN IT ALL OVER TO HIM and BE CONTENT IN HIS GOODNESS. You can trust Him. I promise you.

You get one shot, folks. One shot at Christmas 2014. One shot at six. Or thirty-six. Or fifty-six.

And you only get one shot at today. So lift up your arms, reaching high to embrace the Father who wants to pick you up and carry you through. Will you let Him? Hold on tight and bury your head in the comfort of His presence.

He is strong enough and so very faithful.

Give your burdens to the Lord. He will carry them. He will not permit the godly to slip or fall. Psalm 55:22