I learned a new term from a friend a few weeks ago…”FOMO.” I learned it during a tour of St. Augustine during which my friend continually had to rush to the front of the line to be as close to the tour guide as possible. As he scurried through the crowd he said, “Excuse me…sorry…I have a bad case of FOMO.” Then he explained, “It means ‘Fear Of Missing Out!'”
If a person has a fear of missing out, they are constantly trying to take in every experience possible, then trying to add more. Ever try overstuffing a grocery bag only to have it break and pour out onto the floor? Or ever try carrying in too many things from your car at one time and leaving a trail of stuff throughout the garage? I don’t know about you, though I don’t believe I suffer from FOMO, I feel like my life is so full of end of school year events that I’m leaving a trail behind me of stuff I’ve dropped! (Sorry if I haven’t answered your email!)
I talked with someone this week whose health is poor, but whose heart is full. He told me his secret. He is reminded every day he opens his eyes that he has been given a gift. His basic needs are met, and he is content with that! CONTENTMENT! WOW! Seems to me this word has been lost in our FOMO world!
Here is what 1 Timothy says about it: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that (6-8).”
We all want to live lives full of meaning and the good gifts of God. One of the keys to a great quality of life is to know when we are full, when enough is enough, when we simply enjoy and give thanks for all that God has given without the “Fear Of Missing Out” on more.
“Lord Jesus, your gifts to us are many…more than we can count! Help us make time in the busyness of the season to thank you for food, for clothes, for friends and family, and for opening our eyes! Give us the grace to be content…in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen!”
Peace,
Pastor C