Guy Clark is one of my favorite singers. He passed away several years ago, but his songs have been recorded by some of the biggest names in the music industry. People like Lyle Lovett, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Chris Stapleton. That is a rather good resume for a guy who was born in Monahans, Texas. Without question, he was a tremendous songwriter, but he is most famous for his song, “L.A. Freeway.”

If you’re my age, you know the tune, if not, give it a listen. He wrote and sang one particular song that I’ve listened to over and over again. The song is not as popular as “L.A. Freeway,” but it’s certainly one that makes perfect sense to me.

“Stuff That Works,” is a simple song about having enough. Figuring out what is important in life and being content with it. We all have to determine in our own lives when enough is enough.

Maybe that moment never comes, and maybe it never should. At what point and time in life does one sit back and tell themself, “Hey, I got enough to make me happy.”

There are things I wish I had more of. I’m talking about material things; Most people I know would like to have a few more bucks in the bank, a newer car, a bigger house, a few acres on the lake, etc. Count me in on that.

There is nothing wrong with wanting those things and working towards getting them. But if I never collect those type of things, then is what I have in my life right now – today – enough to make me happy?

The question for me is this: Do I have enough of the stuff that works in my life to overcome adversity, deal with hardships, and cultivate hope for my future? Not material stuff, because those things offer no support at all in life. But meaningful stuff like relationships and faith in an invisible God which spur me onto becoming a better version of myself.

Am I content without all the material things I want in life? Do I have enough in my life to be happy without all the goodies?

Contentment is a state of mind that allows us to be at peace with ourselves and our circumstances. When we are content, we can enjoy the moment and do not feel the need to compare ourselves to others.

When we get complacent in life, we can get comfortable in our routines and stop challenging ourselves. Been there, done that!

I’m no Psychologist, but it appears to me that contentment is a productive force in life, and complacency is an unproductive force in life. One is working for you; the other is working against you … makes sense to me.

“Stuff that works, stuff that holds up.

The kind of stuff you don’t hang on the wall.

Stuff that’s real, stuff you feel.

The kind of stuff you reach for when you fall.

I got a pretty good friend who’s seen me at my worst.

He can’t tell if I’m a blessing or curse.

But he always shows up when the chips are down.

That’s the kind of stuff I like to be around.”

• Guy Clark, Stuff That Works.

Achieving contentment is my objective. To be happy and satisfied knowing I have everything I need in my life to be happy – all along, staying motivated to reach for even more.

I have realized that once I begin to take notice of all the things which I am grateful for in my life, all those material things I lack seem to fade away. The older I get, the more I recognize the stuff that works.

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Todd Howey is a columnist for BrownwoodNews.com whose articles appear on Fridays. Email comments to [email protected].