Lessons from The Hiding Place: On Contentment

We are reading The Hiding Place, a novel of the rich spiritual heritage of Corrie ten Boom, a leader in the Dutch underground in World War II.

The first part of the story begins with a series of flashbacks, with Corrie telling the stories of faith that would later take her through the difficulties of the war. One of those lessons comes from her mother, who as an invalid, nevertheless continues to support and love not just her family, but the people of her community. She tells Corrie, "Happiness isn't something that depends on our surroundings. It's something we make inside ourselves."

Here are our thoughts about experiencing a contentment like that:

The world we live in today has a very wrong idea of contentment. We are constantly told by the world that we need all this stuff to live a good life, and to be content. You NEED this new phone, you NEED these new clothes, you NEED this new car. But really, that is not contentment. That is greed. In my own experience, I see this daily; commercials, billboards, ads; they are all trying to tell us what we need to by happy. this really takes a toll on society, because it causes a lot of selfishness for people who can have it all, and a lot of hurt to people who can't afford everything they want...I think our world would be a much for joyful place if instead of everyone seraching for new things we all want, we could try searching for ways to be happy with what we have. (from Ava)

In society today, many people see contentment as doing what they like. (from Gavin)

We can not control our surroundings but we can control our attitude towards everything around us. When we choose happiness it will fill us up and we will be able to help others to be happy. (from Maddie)

In society today, many people see contentment as settling for something that is less desirable when they could have more. Many people think that the most important thing to do in life is to chase happiness in their jobs and daily lives. Contentment, on the other hand, is being happy and satisfied with where you are, particularly in situations that you cannot change. The situation we are all experiences right now offers insight on contentment. Right now I can't leave my house and I can't see my friends. But I need to find contentment where I am right now. This means that I need to be content with what I do have: a fun and loving family and technology to allow me to communicate with other people.

It is who you surround yourself with and your attitude about life that determines your happiness. (from Clare)

It is contentment that will take you through life. The impact of all this ambition on society is that too many people are following their dreams while they are missing opportunities that would be so much better for them. (from Sam)

You can't get happiness from a certain area, or that a place can't automatically emit happiness into your life, but you need to find a way to find contentment in your life wherever you go. (from Angela)


Our students are having to sacrifice so much right now, and I'm inspired by their hearts and spirits as they continue to walk the Ancient Paths!