Contentment? Who's That?
By Asaf Martinez Cardoza
Contentment? Who’s that?
Tall skyscrapers, bustling streets, honking horns…this is not what my life looks like here in Northern Virginia. My expectations for my first post-grad year were a little different. Nevertheless, I have been embraced by the church and community here. Yet, my unmet expectations have still been at the forefront of my mind. In the midst of all kinds of blessings falling into my hands, my attention diverted to all the things I didn’t have. It wasn’t about appreciating all the opportunities God had put in my life, but rather lamenting over all the experiences I wasn’t having.
In a conversation with my host family, the idea of “contentment” was brought up. Erik Raymond, writing for The Gospel Coalition, presents it as “the inward, quiet spirit that joyfully submits to God’s providence.” Now, I was familiar with the term from a distance, but that's all that it was. I was curious as to how this concept could play out in my life.
During my time in RUF, one of the presuppositions we did ministry through is “God is at work.” I continue to hold that to be true in my life, especially when it doesn't feel like that's the case. Even in this season of life where my discontentment is often fueled by comparison online, I am actively working to see all the ways God is moving here in McLean, Virginia. The beautiful thing about contentment is that I can rest in him and look forward to receiving his love. Now, as I look back on my time since arriving in Virginia for the first time, I can easily point out the multitude of ways God is showing up through radical hospitality, the church, and community. The beauty of it all is that he continues to work, and I can be expectant of him to continue to show up in every season of my life.
Asaf Martinez Cardoza is a member of the Capital Fellows class of 2026-27. He is from Holland, MI, and is a graduate of the University of Michigan. This year, he is working at Bridge Builders of Arlington.
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About Capital Fellows. Capital Fellows is an advanced leadership and discipleship program for recent college graduates. Through graduate courses, a paid internship, one-on-one mentoring, and many leadership and community service opportunities, fellows develop and apply their gifts in real-world situations while learning to integrate a Christian worldview into all areas of life. Capital Fellows is a unique opportunity to live and work in the Washington DC area and to be an active member of a supportive community that seeks to serve the city with the love of Christ. It is also a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience in the workplace while deeply exploring God’s design for us as workers and contributors to human flourishing.
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This week, the Capital Fellows are working on the infamous "Daniel" paper, for Bill Fullilove's seminary class. The Daniel paper is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to live in exile, as Daniel did during the Babylonian Empire. Like many other aspects of this program, this project helps fellows to go deeper in their knowledge of God and of themselves. Please continue to pray for them as they discover, grow, and prepare to lead lives of servant leadership in the workplace, church, and society.
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