As I was getting my daily dose of Pinterest, I came across this list of 5 things claiming to be the key to happiness. This list, although I’m sure is not the key to happiness, inspired me to think about what really that key really is. I do think they got some of them right. In fact, all of the items on this list are definitely things I would include in making steps toward maintaining a healthy and happy life. Here they are [included are my thoughts on each one]:
-Free your heart from hatred. Hate is so strong. It takes on so many forms and it’s aim is to tear down and destroy.
-Free your mind from worries. This is way easier said than done and talking about this one in a manner in which it sounds like I don’t struggle with it would be the pot calling the kettle black (or whatever that ancient phrase is). It’s a definitely grow area and I’m learning that God’s plan is the best plan.
-Live simply. When life gets cluttered, you have a hard time seeing the things that really matter. We start to focus too much on what things we have, how many friends we have, how many times we volunteer per week. Now we’re just trying to maintain all of our extra-curricular activities instead of really investing in a few things/people in which we are called. I’m definitely guilty of this. Take a look at your schedule. If you find yourself not spending enough time with the Lord or giving yourself a time of rest, re-think some things. It could take a lot of pressure off and make you happier.
-Give more. I love giving gifts. There’s nothing like finding something for someone that you know they’ll love. Most of the time when I give gifts, it’s more about how it will make that person feel rather than it being something they need or want. When I give a gift, I want that person to know that I was thinking about them and that they are loved.
-Expect less. Expectations. Yuck. People are great, but they’ll never meet your expectations. And you know what? It’s very possible that you will never meet theirs. Take great joy in the fact that you don’t have to be perfect and keep your expectations reasonable. We are in great need of grace. Practice being more graceful with your friends, family, coworkers, strangers, etc.
So there is the list that I found on Pinterest. Even if you have never read my blog before and you have no idea who I am, I bet you can guess what is missing. Jesus. I can tell you that without a doubt in my mind, there is no true happiness apart from Him. You see, happiness comes from knowing you are unconditionally loved. When God created us, He knew we would disobey Him and cause division between the Creator and His Creation. Every day we act with a sinful nature that we were born with. It’s like we’re running from the One thing that can bring happiness to our lives. God sent Jesus so that we could know that happiness. That’s what this is all about.
Don’t worry, I’m not going to leave out the part where we as Christians aren’t always happy. The Lord doesn’t take away our trials when we want Him to, even if we ask. Those are things that are meant to shape our lives into something that best shows His glory to this world. There are plenty of times in my life when I decide to go my own way instead of listening to God’s voice, but I always turn around. And that’s where I find my happiness. In knowing that I am loved and wanted by my Heavenly Father.
