HGTV and contentment

Do you watch HGTV?  House Hunters, Flip or Flop, or my favorite Fixer Upper? I'm guessing you have watched at least one episode of these shows, as well as perhaps Property Brothers, HH International, etc.  I'll be honest, I love to watch this channel.  No real political undertones, no real drama, and no disgusting commercials that would make you hope your grandkids aren't watching, and make you wish you weren't watching.  Ick.  (talking about you, Sports Networks).  HGTV is just stuff about home.  Home is a precious topic for most everyone.  

House Hunters does kind of rattle my cage sometimes, though.  Do these folks walking through these homes ever stop to think that the same features and decor that are on their "must haves" list will soon, VERY soon, be seen as ghastly and outdated?  Someday someone may perhaps walk into their new beautiful home and gasp in horror at their outdated granite countertops and "open concept".  Like probably within 5 years of purchase if I'm a betting person.  Makes me shake my head.  

In 2006 we made a trip to Guatemala for a few days.  One of the days our group took a tour bus from Guatemala City to Antigua.  The driver did a great job of making sure we got a good picture of life in Guatemala.  It's a beautiful country with beautiful people, and the city of Antigua is fascinating.  Before we arrived in the historical area of Antigua we drove through a residential area.  The driver stopped in a couple places so we could see how the locals live.  

This picture depicts a typical neighborhood for the average Guatemalan family according to our driver.  We saw enough areas of similar living conditions that I believe him.  

I want to show you a picture of another home there:

Are you wondering where the home is?  It's the structure with corrugated metal walls and door, and a large gap between the wall and corrugated tin roof.  There was an electrical extension cord draped over the wall.  My picture taking didn't include the entire structure.  Because my eyes, and my heart, were drawn to this part of the scene:

A little boy opening the door to his home.  This is where he lives.  This is home. This is precious to him.  If you look closely you can see a gorgeous smile.  What a beautiful child.  The word "contentment" comes to mind.  Don't get me wrong, life in Guatemala is difficult and the living conditions are often tragic.  My heart broke many times during the days we were there.

But contentment shouldn't depend upon circumstances.  Or granite countertops. Or square feet of living space.  "....I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Phil 4:11.  (I would emphasize the word "learned")   

"For if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."  1 Tim 6:8.  

My favorite scripture on the subject is found in Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said:  Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."  What more could we possibly need?  

Contentment is possible.  Might need to turn off HGTV to achieve it, though.