A dichotomy?

I have learned something recently--

It is possible to be content and want something at the same time.

Now wait, I know this sounds like a "duh" statement, something you wouldn't even think twice about. But I feel like so many times in the Christian world we are told to be content and contentment is the absence of longing. But I simply don't believe this to be true anymore.

In what I call "Brio" Christianity (Brio maganize) young girls are encouraged to be content in being single and not obsess over wanting a guy etc...and even when they get older, it is considered some heroic feat of faith to be one of those girls who is completely content to just wait infinitely in singleness and not want a relationship. This has become idealized so much in our Christian circles, that it almost makes it seem as though those who want relationships are less of a Christian, not as mature. But I just don't buy that.

I am single. And I am content in that--I'm okay with it. But, at the very same time, I also want someting more as well--and I think that is okay.

I agree with the concept behind the "Brio Christianity" idea of not obsessing over wanting and relationship etc--it's not healthy to be consumed by something you want. But I also don't think it's healthy to supress a God-given longing inside of you and deny that is there out of some miscontstrewed sense of contentment.

This is why I think it is possible to be content and want more at the same time. These two emotions or states of being do not have to war against each other.

This doesn't just apply to relationships...it can apply to a lot of ares; careers, families, circumstances, finances, churches---the list is endless. I can be content with the job I have while still wanting more or looking for other opportunities. I can be content with the money I make and still hope to make more to provide even more for my family or give more to missions etc...I can be content with the way my church is and still hope for greater things for it. I can be content that I am single and still be looking for someone and acknowledge that's what I want.

Contentment is not the absence of longing, but rather, the ability to want something more while still appreciating what you have.