Again... Very interesting post. I don't like extremes like "...and only this" because of course I believe there are exceptions to the rules. But I see your point, and tend to agree with your observations to an extent.

I used to have a friend who struggled with the concept of being discontent when he was in a place where he thought he should be thankful. He questioned whether he was asking for more when he should be content with what he had. Another friend who was a pastor said that there were times when it was good to desire more, as long as you had the right perspective. He said he called it a "holy discontent". 😄 I liked that phrase immediately and have used it often since.

He explained it as something where you are satisfied with where you are and not ungrateful with the situation before you,but happy to know that you are free to choose to pursue more... Knowing that the pursuit of more doesn't make you selfish or unconsolably dissatisfied with your current situation, but just willing to see if more is good, and right, and appropriate to pursue.

I find myself testing that balance often. And usually, all the better for it!