My Favorite Place

Having travelled so extensively over such a long period of time, I have many “favorite places” around the world that I look back on with fond memories. As my circumstances change I can say with Paul (Philippians 4:11) “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” (or wherever I am for that matter)! However, today’s picture somehow sums up a favorite of favorites for me. I could sit there sipping coffee watching the world go by or chatting with a good friend for hours. Contentment has a lot to do with accepting where I am and enjoying that place right then with the people and things in that place.

I’m often asked which is my favorite city or which is my favorite country, language, restaurant, or whatever. I’ve such good memories of so many places that I always struggle to give a good answer, although I DO have a few that stand out from the rest.

Contentment is rare, and despite being generally at peace, I don't always have it! Contentment is a state of mind, a choice, a gift but most of all cannot be purchased, won or earned. It has a lot in common with peace and patience and I dare to say generosity. So many I meet think they will be content when… and off they go chasing after that. When I next meet them often they have attained “that” and are off after the next thing that will supposedly bring contentment. Of course I have things to which I look forward. I would love to return to the place in the picture (I’m not telling where it is) but today, I shall enjoy memories of the coffee drunk and the people I met there and cherish every thought. Today, I am in my basement content to be home, with people I love …and of course good coffee.