“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” ― Dalai Lama XIV
Happiness is not something that just happens to us. In fact, the Declaration of Independence even states – “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
So, we must pursue happiness and work for it. But, is happiness to be found in amassing money or possessions?
It is sad that even as young children we learn, or become conditioned, to want things that we don’t have, many times things that we see that other do have.
“It’s almost impossible to be satisfied in your own life if you’re constantly looking at what someone else has.” Rachael Cruze
The pursuit of things (possessions) begins to drive our pursuit of happiness, yet we see others around us who are happy with less. What is their secret?
“You are only a poor person if you are not happy with what you have.” Debasish Mridha
So, maybe, the secret is to refocus your pursuit of happiness away from things and onto something much more fulfilling. For we have been told in the Bible –
“Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8)
AND
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13)
We will not find happiness in the pursuit of possessions within the context of our short lives here on earth. Instead, we must believe in Jesus and accept the gift of eternal life that comes next. The happiness that comes next is a gift from God which comes from faith.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
So, keep the faith and in your beliefs find contentment and joy in accomplishing the things that your heart tells you to do to help others and sharing the good news.
Perhaps the best advice for us in this life comes from this anonymous quote –
“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.”
Maybe the words of that great philosopher, Groucho Marx, will help –
“Each morning when I open my eyes, I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.”
If you are reading this, that means that you woke up this morning. You got one more day. Be happy in it!
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