I’ve been singing the old Mamas and Papa’s song ‘California Dreaming’ all week. I’d read about John and Michelle Philips writing it… living in New York… the cold winter… wishing they were back home in California… releasing the song in 1965…
I remember it from my teenage years…. Then yesterday I heard the Petersens version:
All the leaves are brown
And the sky is grey
I’ve been for a walk
On a winter’s day
I’d be safe and warm
If I was in LA
California dreamin’
On such a winter’s day…
‘California Dreaming’ raises a challenging question for me as a man, as a Christian: ‘Should I be discontented or content?’
I know folks who are discontented, unhappy with the world, political situation, church, personal circumstances… Some are just grumpy, ever complaining, criticising, blaming everybody that things are not as they should be.
For others their discontentment spurs them on to dream how things could be better. They are motivated to act, to change situations or themselves. Wilberforce, Shaftesbury, great social reformers of history… Wesley’s preaching, Booth forming the Salvation Army… friends who are mending a broken marriage, conquering an addiction.
St Paul writing ‘I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus’, doesn’t want things to stay as they are. ‘California Dreaming’ creates tells them they don’t have to stay in cold, grey New York.
I also know folks who are content with their lives, satisfied with their lot in life. Some shut themselves away, protecting themselves the world around them. For others life it is easier to live in passive acceptance, shutting off hopes and dreams.
Then there are those who are happy, genuinely happy. They appreciate the world around them. They notice the trees, the flowers, the birds, enjoying the weather, whatever it’s like. They chat to their neighbours, smile at the stranger, make a fuss of the passing dog. They appreciate their family and friends.
They move to St Paul in the next chapter saying, ‘I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.’ Life is good. ‘California Dreaming’ isn’t necessary; cold and grey isn’t important; they’re happy in New York.
This morning I’m praying for the wisdom to know when I should be discontented and ‘California Dreaming’, and when I should be content and appreciate my cold grey New York.
