Are You Happy?

Are You Happy?
July 22nd, 2008
Did you say yes or no? Your answer will tell you what you need to do next!

I have learned a few things about happiness. It really has very little to do with the things we have, or what we are doing. It really is not based on anything outside of ourselves. It is an internal state. No one can make you happy, and no one can take away your happiness. Oh, they might sway things one way or another for a time, but the real, deep down joy can not be moved.

It is like the stars. You may not see them at times, but they are still there. They did not leave, they are shining even when we can not actively see them. Even after the death of a star- the light shines on for years.

Our lives can be like that. The joy we have can carry on no matter what is happening in the atmosphere. We might be covered for a time, but the light will shine through by the end of the day.

If you do not have that kind of happiness, you can get it. You can not buy it, or make it, or even steal it. But you can get it. All you must do is ask. God is waiting to give it to you. He only asks that you do one thing in return. Pass it on. Loving God will give you that deep, strong root of joy. It will spring up in you and grow and bear fruit. God only asks that you pass the fruit of your joy on to others. Love deeply, fully. Laugh long and hard. Find the happiness and then give it away. It is just that simple.

Have you ever seen a child make a full day of games out of an empty box? They can laugh and play and romp all day. The box is nothing special. it is not really magic. The magic in the play of a child comes from the inside. They are not afraid of being silly, they do not worry about what others are thinking or doing. They take what they have and enjoy it. Do you?

If you named all the things you DO have, would the list be longer than what you think you don’t have? Look around you and be honest. Are there people in the world who would think they had died and gone to heaven to live a life like yours?

Now, look inside of yourself. What is there? Deep joy comes from inside, so what is there? Have others hurt you? Do you allow that to keep you dead inside? Don’t. By allowing the actions of another rule you, you are still giving them power over you. You are GIVING it to them. Stop letting others have YOU. Take back your life.

From this day forward YOU decide your path. No one can make you walk a life of sorrow and pain. Have a long talk with God. He understands. He cares. He does not want to see you live a life of emptiness. The Bible says he came that we might have joy, and that abundantly!! Then let go of the things that hurt you. lay them down at the feet of Jesus and refuse to pick them back up. When you feel yourself reaching for those boxes of hurt, stop. Tell yourself, “NO, that is over. It will not control me one more moment.” Take a deep breath, relax your shoulders. Then step out in joy! Hugs, Barbara

PS-if you answered Yes! to that first question, then go find someone who did not, and hug them. Help them find the joy you have. Pass it on!