Happiness and Joy

For years my mother-in-law has said, " I just want everyone to be happy." And I now find myself saying the same thing when asked what I want for Christmas. I find myself thinking it when ever we are together as a family, and praying it when we are apart. But, happiness can be so elusive. It is dependent on conditions and actions of others. Happiness is a cause/effect relationship. So it is now joy we must seek. Joy is a feeling that is part of our personality; our emotional and spiritual make-up. Happiness relies on facts and joy emanates from the truth. The facts don't always support the truth. Our Pastor clearly exemplified this when telling the story of the perfect Christmas gift. He received a beautiful designer shirt that was his size. Yet, when he tried it on, the button at his mid section nearly popped. It was a "slim fit' shirt, or "demon shirt" as he put it. There went his self esteem and moment of happiness. Joy filled people do not need numbers to bring them happiness. Numbers can guide us, but also be deceiving. Weight, age, size, price, are all relative. We should not let them dictate our happiness. So, joy. What is it and how can I get me some? It is more than a Pollyanna attitude or a positive thinker. it is more than finding the serendipity. It is more than being lucky and having things always go right. Joy is knowing the truth: that all things are leading to a glorious time. There are many who need to beleive that there is something more than this life and those who are content with what they have. Some who look hopefully to heaven and those who argue against our immortal souls. That is the point. We will feel joyful when we stop looking for happiness and stop cursing that which takes away our happiness. We will be joyful when opinions of others really don't matter because we live in truth and our joy is contagious. Hannah was only five when she said, "Laughter is contagious". Bethany was only three when she said, "Love is the answer." Elise was only seven when she sang solo," A child, a child, shivers in the night, he will bring us goodness and light". Each child has a message that I hope will continue to guide them in their lives.