So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun. --Ecclesiastes 8:15
Paul Tournier, a well-known Christian psychiatrist, gives insight to the subject of happiness in his book, The Seasons of Life. He says:
"True happiness is always linked with deep, inner harmony. It therefore always implies an acceptance of one's age; the acceptance of no longer being a child when one has reached the age of adulthood, and the giving up of the goals of active life when one is advanced in years.
This is the age of retirement, which for some [people] can be a meaningful experience, while for others it is a cruel trial. … Those who complain about their retirement are usually the same ones as those who used to complain about their work and longed to be set free from it!"
There's no room after retirement for a bitter, complaining spirit. So, why does it seem so many people are unhappy? Experts reported not long ago that only 20 percent of Americans are happy. The relentless message from society is that we must buy certain things or go specific places to experience happiness. If happiness is not a permanent condition in us, then there must be problems in our lives.
But, most people don't experience a lifelong state of happiness. Happiness is a choice…even if only a few moments each day. Think about the last few days…maybe you had an unexpected visitor drop by, a letter came from an old friend, or someone may have complimented you. Moments like those are the ones that make the seemingly "bad day" disappear in a flash.
Tomorrow, stop and notice the sunset, listen to the birds outside your window sing sweet songs, or drink up the peaceful serenity of a rain shower. Then, you will see the happiness that God desires for you to experience.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the sweet moments of happiness that He gives each day.
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