What makes you happy?
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
I have been wondering this a lot lately...what makes me happy? What makes others happy? What is happiness? It is so hard to pin that down. We as humans are made to think that happiness comes from things and other people. And yes, sometimes it can. But is it real happiness? Is that the happiness that God intended for us to think is "sheer" happiness?
Through all of the renovations to our new home I have been happy. The wood is beautiful. The tile is beautiful. My home is going to be beautiful. But is that what I count on to make me happy? My husband has been amazing...toting boxes back and forth, not getting home until 7:30 every night because he stops by our new house and then comes home, sometimes not seeing me at all because I am spending the night painting baseboards and packing. Does he complain? No...he is happy. But can he always make me happy? I know the answer to this one...
Lately I have been reflecting on Philippians 4:22, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Contentness...(not a word), is something I so need to learn. I cry out to the Lord that he will give me the ability to be so. I also know, deep in my heart, that the Lord is the only one who will ever make me happy. He is the one who will get me through bad times, rejoice in my good times, love on me when I am deeply wrong. "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice." I pray this for my soul, for my heart...from my heart.
4 comments:
Have you heard Your Grace is Enough by Chris Tomlin? It is inspiring and a simple reminder to sing about His grace being enough. :)
Oh that is such a worthy quest. All last year, I went on a clothing shopping fast, as I was finding that I would derive my joy from things. It was truly the hardest year I had ever given the Lord. I just needed to cut ties to "wanting" and then "getting." Somehow my "year of contentment" taught me so many things... the least of which, it's a daily choice.
Literally a choice.
We are so surrounded with things that SHOULD make us happy if only we attain them... and you are such a sweetheart for being aware of your surroundings and desire for contentment! Keep at it honey!
I join you in that quest. Such a great post Julianne! And a great scripture for us to remember.
Thanks for sharing, Julianne! Contentment is such a struggle for me. I appreciate your honesty- it was beautiful :)
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