Years ago a dear brother in Christ shared with me this verse from the book of Hebrews:
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
At the time I was wrestling with some circumstances that I didn’t enjoy at all and in my youth (that is an excuse) was quite discontent with. This verse served as quite a rebuke, but as I have visited it often throughout the years it has also been a great source of reassurance and encouragement.
The point is that God in his providence has placed us in life as it has pleased and suited Him. Our circumstances and situations are a result of the places God has chosen to use us in His service. This applies to our vocations our neighborhoods and all the events that are accessory to them. These things are our stewardships.
For me it really helps to see these things as the assignments of a sovereign and loving God and understand that it is my privilege to be here and to in this place be faithful to Him. From there I can go far beyond contentment to a sense of privilege to be here at this time and in these circumstances for His sake.
Contentment is the bottom rung of a ladder that leads to the joy and excitement of a real sense of privilege.