If you stop and take note, you’ll hear what I call the “I-wish” epidemic. “I wish you would have been there!” “I wish I could get off work!” “I wish I had the money for a car like that.” “I wish…” Just fill in the blank.


The “I-wishes” can find their way into nearly any topic of discussion. A few years ago I decided to try ridding my own conversation of the I-wish phrase because I realized that by using it so often I was beginning to express my discontent.


Paul spoke to his friends in Philippi and to us about learning to be content. Have you wondered what the “secret” is that he mentions? The secret of being content is not found in any minor adjustment you or I might make to our speech and conversation. It is found in being grateful for all that our Savior has done for us, so grateful that whether we have plenty or very little, we will rest contentedly in Him.


“Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life”
(Revelation 22:17).