This week we’re finishing up our series in Philippians. 

Jesus teaches us not to store up treasures on earth, so I won’t call it a treasure; but a favorite possession is my bicycle. It was a high school graduation gift from my parents and has glorious yellow late 1980’s accents. It’s old enough to be President. 

I rode it to class through college. After graduation I sold it to a guy, regretted the decision, tracked him down years later, and then bought it back. Now I ride it about three times per week and the wind in my face makes me feel like I’m twelve. I even ride it to church sometimes. 

I will never sell this bike again, but now I want a new one to go with it. I want one that’s heavier duty with a bigger pack on it to put the sub sandwich I often bring home with me. Oh, but the new bike choices! Road bike, gravel bike, commuter bike, or mountain bike? Chain drive or belt drive? Traditional or new battery electric assist? 

It's too many choices; and friends, I am stuck in an infinite loop of indecision. 

If I buy one that can do this, I’ll regret that it cannot do that. If a buy a heavier one, I’ll sometimes wish it was lighter. If I buy a lighter one, I’ll sometimes wish it was heavier. As I continue to mull my decision, this week’s passage, and this verse, is humbling for me to read: 

I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content - whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. (Philippians 4:12 HCSB) 

It makes sense that while I still love my bike, I would like to get another one. But what does not make sense is that I am already discontent with a decision I have yet to even make. 

Have you ever let discontentment ruin something that hasn’t even happened yet? 

Instead of obsessing over a decision I haven’t made, I should be more thankful that I’m healthy enough to ride a bike. Or that I’m financially able to have one bike, much less two. Or that if I need to go somewhere and it’s cold, I also have a car that I park at my house. 

I can’t decide on my new toy. Bless my heart. 

Maybe I need to worry less about what I have, and more on Who has me. 

By Mark Stuart 

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.