“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me"
-John 14:1
Are you happy?
There are times I drive in some of my favorite neighborhoods and admire homes that I dream about living in some day. Many of them might have been a reality if it wasn't for multiple divorces and steep child support responsibilities over the past twenty years. {But} as I imagine myself living in a certain home in a desirable zip code I often ask myself: would I be happy?
There are other times I see certain cars and SUV's that grab my attention and I think to myself; "that would be sweet to own that car." {Or} maybe it's a watch I notice in an ad or another man's wrist that would be wonderful to have as a part of my watch collection… vintage watches are my absolute favorite. {But}, again, would I be any happier if those possessions were mine?
What if it was something less material like taking a family vacation every year to where the sand is soft and the sun is hot? Rent a house, cook meals together, and enjoy family time together as we build a lifetime of memories. I really do believe that would be wonderful, and that is truly a goal for my wife and I to accomplish, but again I must ask myself; "would I be happy?"
The reason I'm asking this question is because last week I was reminded of a question Addison ask me about four years ago when he was three years old.
As we were driving down a street in our neighborhood I noticed acquaintance standing in her driveway, with her Steelers sweatshirt on no less. Upon recognizing her I slammed on the brakes, put the car in reverse, and yelled out the window: "Steelers going to have any players NOT in jail next year?" See, the Steelers were having a lot of off the field issues at that time and to say I despise the Pittsburgh Steelers is a drastic understatement.
There is no more obnoxious fan on this earth than a Steeler fan. (Sidenote: I love their coach Mike Tomlin)
Anyway, her reply was straight Hannibal Lecter. No emotion, no expression, just a steely glare and these four words: "we will be fine."
Seriously, I was waiting for her to call me "Clarice".
"We" she says. The last time I checked there weren't any 5'4" blonds on the team rooster. The only thing that drives me more insane than a fan using the term "we" is the 40 year old "guy" that wears his favorite teams jersey with some players name on the back.
Grow up.
Wow, yesterday I offended soccer nation by telling Ryan if he continues to cry while we were playing basketball that he should just go play "soccer", and today it's Steeler fan and 40 year old jersey wearing guy.
Where was I, oh yea, as I drove off "pretty happy" for just interacting with a Steeler fan (Steeler fan usually puts me in a bad mood) Addison ask me; "Daddy, why are you so happy"? I thought for a moment and replied; "It's more fun to be happy."
Not very profound, but very much the truth.
Abraham Lincoln once stated; "most people are about as happy as they make up there minds to be". I agree. Every day the choice is ours. We always don't get to choose our circumstances, but our attitude is 100% our choice. Again, not very profound, but very much the truth.
No matter where I live, what car I drive or what watch I wear my happiness still depends on me and my perspective. A little heads up: none of those things I mentioned can ever make you truly happy. They can bring some happiness, but not the kind of happiness that resides deep in your soul and is sustaining. Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can provide that kind of happiness; that kind of joy.
Anyway, It's my choice to be happy. Thanks Addison for reminding me that the choice to be happy is mine and that people really do pay attention to our attitude...especially little people.
What choice are you going to make?
sbb 3.8.13
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