Elder Neal A. Maxwell
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Being content with the things allotted unto us in life means acceptance without self-pity. Meekly borne, however, deprivations can end up being like excavations that make room for greatly enlarged souls.
"We are to do what we can within our allotted 'acreage' while still using whatever stretch there may be in any tethers. Within what is allotted to us, we can have spiritual contentment. Paul described it as 'godliness with contentment,' signifying the adequate presence of attributes such as love, hope, meekness, patience and submissiveness."
There are still fixed limitations in life. "For instance, some have allotments, including physical, mental or geographic constraints. There are those who are unmarried, through no fault of their own, or yearning but childless parents." Others have offspring resistant to parental counsel.
"Suffice it to say, such mortal allotments will be changed in the world to come. The exception is unrepented sin that shapes our status in the next world."
Developing greater contentment within certain of our existing constraints is one of our challenges. Otherwise, we may feel underused, underwhelmed and underappreciated, while, ironically, within our givens are unused opportunities for service all about us.
"Furthermore, varied as our allotted circumstances may be, we can still keep the commandments of God!"
