I have seen Christmas celebrations go both ways. It can be an incredibly joyous time, and it can also be a disaster. I remember the year my brother was excitedly looking forward to receiving some sports equipment. I think he wanted a new football, baseball, glove and so on.

But instead of the leather variety, he got a “safety” football and baseball. You know, the ones made from plastic with lots of holes in them. Apparently if you get hit by one, it hurts less. No doubt my parents’ intentions were good, but he was crushed.

As we engage the new year, it seems like a great time to consider CONTENTMENT. Regardless of how our Christmas (and gift giving) went, it’s a good time for a heart check. Are we content?

Contentment means we have just enough. Like the Psalmist says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I have enough” (Ps. 23:1).

The concept of contentment made me think of a term Max Lucado cites in one of his books. He talks about a Swedish word that means “just enough.” It is the word “lagom.” It reflects the thought that something is not too much nor too little. It is just enough.

Apparently, the Swedes use this term to answer questions like, “How is your day?”  They answer, “Lagom.”  Or when asked, “How is the weather?” they might reply, “Lagom.”

I am thinking believers might embrace this same concept. Spiritual maturity ought to cause us to declare “I am lagom,” every single day. Every single day, “I have just enough.”

I have enough of my Savior: “Be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).

I have enough stuff: “If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (I Tim. 6:8).

I have His presence, ALWAYS: “… I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…” (Phil. 4: 12)

We all have JUST ENOUGH.

So maybe as the new year dawns, we could skip the New Years Resolutions (which will fade away in 3 weeks or so) and instead focus on our gratitude for having just enough of absolutely everything we need.

LAGOM!

(I am grateful for the material for this Musing that came from Max Lucado’s book, Tame Your Thoughts.)