Dare To Be Happy #355
Dare To Be Happy #355
If you’d like to hear this message instead of reading it, tune in to the Living Your Legacy Podcast.
As soon as you hear the whistle, you know the song and its lyrics. Before you know it, you’re singing with Bobby McFerrin, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” That song can change our mood and uplift our spirits. Unfortunately, when the song ends, the stresses of life return. If only there were another way to not let external situations affect us. There is, and it’s called the happiness habit. Let’s talk about it so we can add it to our lives.
We need to understand that true happiness, or joy and contentment, does not come from “outside” things. Sure, money, titles, and status give people the ability to purchase things, but those things are temporary. We’re taught to climb the ladder and work 45 years so one day we can retire, relax, and enjoy life. But are we being trained to get in line and not be happy? I would like to flip the script on that mentality.
One, having money can buy things, experiences, or opportunities. Duh. But if those were the only things we needed to be happy, then why are so many rich/worldly people unhappy? Why are they trying to escape with substances, surgeries, and different partners? It’s because they’re looking externally first.
Let’s be clear. I’m not saying you need to be poor to be happy. However, by focusing solely on the material or the chase, we’ll end up with a 'never enough' attitude that divides our spirit and pulls us away from what’s truly important. Take, for example, the young married couple who want to provide more for their families, but suddenly, 25 years later, their once tight family is broken apart because they put outside things above the people inside.
Second, idleness is not the answer or the reward for 45 years on the job. It may bring temporary peace but not long-term happiness. Personally, I love the sounds of the ocean, but I can’t sit on the beach all day, every day. Soon, that idleness will turn into boredom, and before long, I’ll hate the ocean altogether. We’re not meant to remain idle; it’s not in our DNA. God has created us to move and work for a purpose that demands our best. One that serves others and contributes to the greater good. Idleness doesn’t do that.
Third, true happiness is simple. It doesn’t mix with the complexities of life. It’s like oil and water. The more complex, busy, and worry-filled life you have, the less happy you’ll be. Happiness is simple because it’s found within you. So if you want to be happier, then look for the pearls of happiness or breadcrumbs of joy that are right in front of you. Now, I realize that people will hurt you, negative things will happen, but a person with happiness in their heart will always find the value in each setback and won’t let external things affect their permanent happiness.
Forming a new habit takes time. The good news is that you can start tomorrow with something simple like a memory. For instance, when I’m going though a bad time, I remember what grandma used to say, “Get over it, the sun will come out tomorrow.” Another tip is to find something good in each moment or interaction. Yesterday, I didn’t like spending over $100 in auto repairs, but I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with the mechanic and hearing about his grandkids.
There are breadcrumbs of happiness all around you, choose to look for them. Finally, have a mission, a reason, or a purpose to move towards instead of worshipping things. God’s called you into a relationship with Him that does not involve idleness but does involve building, serving, and doing for the right reasons. So seek Him, ask Him for guidance and you’ll find your happiness.
So if you want to live a legacy that’s remembered for generations then start with happiness.To learn more, visitlighthouselegacies.com and listen to the Living Your Legacy Podcast.
