Say Yes To Happiness

I used to think happiness was a state of being, an emotion that was out of our control and depended on events around us.If things were going well in life, I assumed happiness would be present, and when things took a turn for the worse, sadness would replace this satisfactory state of mind. However, as I mature, the more I realize that happiness is not something that controls us, but it is we who are the master of it.

A good friend reminds me often, "Sometimes our joy is the source of our smile. Sometimes our smile is the source of our joy."

When I first heard this quaint quote whose author is unknown to me, I had to ponder its words carefully in order for the verse's meaning to sink in. Today, it is almost my mantra as I allow the words to fill me whenever I feel low. In the blink of an eye, I turn my frown upside down, realizing that I have done all I can do to see to it this unpleasant circumstance has a pleasant ending, and then I leave the remainder in the hands of God, making fear, worry and sadness His burden, and not my own.

There are many more moments in my life, however, when I do not have to choose joy, but when it simply comes because my heart is at a place of peace and contentment. I can think of no greater joy than to know I am loved, and that my life has meaning. Certainly, I am loved by those persons closest to me, but the most enriching love comes straight from the heart of God. During times people may fail or disappoint me, I look to God, and am glad for His perfect and all enduring love.

At one time I thought my life purpose was simply to be a good wife and mother. My greater goal now exceeds far beyond those people I know, and reaches into the lives of anyone who seeks to know the Creator. To have the greatest love, and real life purpose is the source of my joy. Where does your happiness stem from?

Just as happiness is a choice, so too, is salvation and eternal life a matter of our own choosing. A gift from God is sitting at the table, and it is up to you to open it. Will it sit and gather dust, never to remain open, or will you partake of its awesome blessings?

The choice is yours.

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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