Once upon a time there was a friar who lived with outlaws, outlaws who stole from the rich to give to the poor. Their lives were hard, cold, and often wet and dangerous, but the fellowship and adventure they had often made them happy, and their knowledge of the people they helped gave them strength to continue, even when the prince regent sent forces against them. But the outlaw band was one day confronted with the king, returned from his war, and swore fealty to him and to obey his commands. The one person who was excepted was the friar, for friars are sworn to the church above all. But the king, who was pleased that his people had honest defenders while he was gone, asked the friar what reward the king could give him. The friar, stuttering, said that he had what he wanted--friends, a place to live, animals (two dogs) he cared for, and his conscience was quiet. The king told him he was rich with a wealth kings could not give, for he had the riches of content.
I forget which version of Robin Hood I read that in; I have read many. An interesting thought for a Black Friday.
Contentment is a rare gift. A part of my mind is pondering how it relates to selflessness, for contentment is acceptance and satisfaction with what is owned, while selflessness is a passion to give out of what one has. Perhaps its the serenity that both possess, the lack of rebellion or dissatisfaction with what God has given, that drew them together in my mind.
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