Joy has nothing to do with material things, or with man's outward circumstance...A man living in the lap of luxury can be wretched, and a man in the depths of poverty can overflow with joy. -William Barclay
People have long pondered the question of whether or not we can choose to be happy. My response to this is we can indeed make a daily choice to be happy, upbeat, and optimistic. Sadly, countless people become so centered on their circumstances they tell themselves happiness will never be theirs. As a result they stay mired in a sea of hopelessness. One reason people remain in a state of unhappiness is that making the daily choice to be happy and positive requires tremendous energy. This must become a daily practice akin to exercise or studying for a college degree. The happiness we desire will not come about all by itself. Rather, we must rise up and pursue it with firm determination.
I have been a dog lover since I was a little boy, and something I love about dogs is their willingness to play, romp, or go for a walk at any opportunity. My dog, Ada, a three year old Golden Retriever / Lab mix, is always ready to go outside for a walk, and when I speak the words, “Ada, do you want to go for a walk?” she becomes nearly hysterical in her efforts to go. So great is her enthusiasm I dare not utter those words unless I mean it and am ready to go – right at that moment. In fact, if for some reason I should want to take Ada for a walk in the middle of the night I have no doubt she would be ready and would plunge into her walk with great zeal and unbounded joy.
As I have observed this behavior I have thought many times how nice it would be if we could tackle life with such limitless passion. My friends, why do we think we have to be doing something spectacular to be happy? Happiness and joyful experiences are all around and are there for the taking. A walk in the park, watching a sunset or sunrise, sitting quietly and watching the birds come and go from the feeder you placed outside, or enjoying a quiet moment with one of your kids or an old friend can all be sources of tremendous joy.
Happiness is here and now and meant to be grasped. Don’t make the mistake of waiting until everything in life is just right before you’ll be happy. Resolve to have peace and happiness right here and right now. With God’s help you can have peace in your heart and true happiness. Resolve to seek it and never give up – on life or on yourself.
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