Lagom

I was reading an article this morning on the Swedish (there is quite a bit of Swedish heritage in my family), philosophy of “Lagom.” Now, I’m not a philosophy expert, nor a Swedish expert, but my summary of the article is that Lagom is the philosophy of “just enough” or knowing when to stop striving for more and being satisfied with what you have. The article goes on to suggest considering a work/life balance, getting some exercise (without making the place or equipment be the focus) and staying in and enjoying the moment rather than struggling for some super-duper activity.

Now as far as the suggestions, I have to say I fully agree with them. In fact, if you were to go find someone who used to work for me, I’d hope they’d remember that the work/life balance concept was a goal I emphasized to all. However, the article did remind me of something that happened over ten years ago.

As a health actuary, I can tell you that we in the health insurance industry were surprised when the affordable health care act was passed into law. As surprised as we were, we were suddenly thrust into a state of having 3 years to work with the government (HHS to be exact) to develop regulations and interpretations of a huge (and I mean huge!) change to the health insurance industry. I can’t tell you how many hours I spent reading, commenting, interpreting and explaining proposed regulations to others as part of a multi area team. At this same time. My wife’s career was heating up and she was traveling and presenting a lot. Taking care of things at home started to get shortchanged.

We finally talked ourselves into finding someone to come and clean our house every couple of weeks to help out. One day, this person was here cleaning and I started complaining that I needed to make arrangements

to have this thing fixed. She replied that this nicety or luxury seemed to cause work rather than allow enjoyment of it (I think we were talking about repairing an antique vehicle). Her comment slapped me upside the head as I realized she was right. I wanted this thing to provide opportunities for us to enjoy time together and I was spending time and effort maintaining it rather than focusing my attention on our relationship.

There are many Bible passages regarding this same topic (you’d wonder whether God knows that we have an innate desire for excess):

“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:10-13

“If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” - 1 Timothy 6:3-10

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.’“- Hebrews 13:5

“Because he knew no contentment in his belly, he will not let anything in which he delights escape him. There was nothing left after he had eaten; therefore his prosperity will not endure. In the fullness of his sufficiency he will be in distress; the hand of everyone in misery will come against him. To fill his belly to the full, God will send his burning anger against him and rain it upon him into his body.” - Job 20:20-23

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:2

I stopped searching after finding these 5 Bible passages. It seems obvious that God wants us to pursue his version of Lagom.