Happiness Now

We seem to face life by holding on to a perfect dream of the future, rather than by seeing the beauty in the current moment.  Under this distorted mind set, happiness is never truly in our grasp, but right around the corner, and depending on certain people, places or things.

We tend to view ourselves as works in progress, focusing on the imperfect rather than on what is already good about our total being. We are often quick to beat ourselves up, instead of treating ourselves as kindly as we would treat a total stranger.

Just as God first loved us before we loved Him, before we can reach out to others, we must first learn to cherish ourselves.

Treating yourself lovingly is not an act of conceit or selfishness, but it is an act that teaches us how to be more effective Christians. Again, how can we offer wisdom and understanding to others, if we do not practice it ourselves? How can we preach forgiveness, mercy and love, if we are not willing to apply it to our own daily walk?

Our Heavenly Father did not send His Son, Jesus Christ, to condemn us for our imperfections, but to offer us salvation by showing us a better way.

Now is the time to stop kicking yourself in the teeth by letting the mistakes of the past weight heavy upon your heart, and instead, to allow His peace and mercy to wash over us in much the same way the ocean waters cleanse the distant shore.

Happiness is not around the corner, because it is right here before us, if only we would open our eyes to the beauty which already exists in every day, hour and moment of our life. If you need a helping hand to see this, then just call on God today.

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr