BY SHARON VAN ARNEMAN
“The truly happy person doesn’t follow wicked advice, doesn’t stand on the road of sinners, and doesn’t sit with the disrespectful. Instead of doing those things, these persons love the Lord’s Instruction, and they recite God’s Instruction day and night! They are like a tree replanted by streams of water, which bears fruit at just the right time and whose leaves don’t fade. Whatever they do succeeds.” These words are found in Psalm 1 (Common English Bible).
Everyone wants to be happy, yet for so many, it seems that the harder they pursue happiness, the more elusive it becomes. This may be because so few of us really understand what it means to be truly happy. What I’ve discovered about happiness is that it is not something you chase after; it’s not living a trouble-free life; it’s not always having things go your way; it’s not indulging in every conceivable kind of pleasure; it’s not having everyone think how great you are; it’s not trying to control everyone and everything around you; it’s not having all your needs met; it’s not never having to deal with difficult people; it’s not living a stress-free life; it’s not having extra money and material possessions; it’s not stepping on people and using them for your own purposes; it’s not even having all your dreams and wishes come true.
Even having to navigate life amidst this new normal, happiness is living life in the now. It is enjoying the glory of a sunrise, the beauty of a sunset, the smile of a friend, the laughter of a child, the sound of the ocean, the scent of a flower, the chirping of birds, the softness of rain. Happiness is contentment. It is accepting yourself even though you know you have not yet arrived. It is being able to look at yourself and not only see your shortcomings and imperfections. Happiness is having nothing to prove; it’s being open and honest with yourself and others. Happiness is knowing you are loved and special and valued – even on those days when you don’t necessarily feel as if you are. Happiness is having a right heart.
Happiness is selflessness. It’s loving others; it’s thinking of others; it’s assisting those in need; it’s putting another’s welfare above your own; it’s helping someone else achieve their goals; it’s making another’s dreams come true. Happiness is sharing and caring and learning and growing. It’s belonging; it’s taking time to build meaningful friendships; it’s appreciating all the different people in your life; it’s hanging in there and not giving up when you most want to run.
Happiness is making each day a celebration. It’s learning to smile even when things aren’t going your way. It’s not getting all bent out of shape when you have to deal with troublesome situations or impossible people. It is having a clear conscience toward God and man. Happiness is being what God wants you to be; it is having a meaningful, purposeful life; it’s doing things God’s way; it’s being faithful; it’s staying focused even when you do not have all the answers, and trusting God when you do not understand. Happiness is knowing Jesus.
To contact Sharon,
write to P.O. Box 484,
Philipsburg, St. Maarten,
Dutch Caribbean.
Email: roseofsharon1966@hotmail.com
Phone: 1 (721) 554-9590
