In my last Blog article I wrote about the much desired but elusive condition that we call "HAPPINESS." As I thought about what it means to find "True Happiness" or to even be able to say that we are "HAPPY," my mind was like the steel ball in one of those old-time video games, bouncing between a myriad of thoughts on the topic of "HAPPINESS." In pursuing deeper thought on this vital topic, I find myself immersed in a comparison/contrast battle between cultural views on happiness, biblical guidelines, and the influence of deep-thinkers from both camps.
Disclaimer: Before making any comments, observations, or statements regarding the topic of Happiness let me assure you that I am on a journey to find truth on this topic for myself and for any person or people group who might read what I write or listen to my "talks." The purpose of sharing both my discoveries and dilemmas is to encourage you to "THINK" about how objective truth shapes your subjective reality. As always, I hope you are able to gain from anything I attempt to articulate; also know that I can learn much from you as well. So, here we go.
In our world there is the common misconception that "Happiness" stems from satisfying our basic "drives" or "desires." Expert advertising convinces us that we need 'MORE' and 'BETTER' of whatever appeals to us. Some believe money will make us happy while others think it will come through a relationship or good health. One possible reason why happiness seems so abstract and elusive in our culture is because it is contingent on so many different circumstances that are completely out of our control.
Obviously this is a consistent aspect of life that we are not going to change. What I am suggesting is that, since we cannot control situations that have major influence on our "HAPPINESS," shouldn't we look deeper for the kind of "Happiness" that survives through good times and seasons of painful trial? If we attach our "Happiness" to things that are likely to change we can expect to experience the "emotional roller coaster" that ebbs between happy and sad.
I want to present a statement that has huge potential (as well as major difficulties in such a diverse world of thought). But, here it is anyway:
TRUE HAPPINESS IS ONLY POSSIBLE WHEN WE ARE ALIGNED WITH OUR GREATER PURPOSE! Now, before commenting on or even formulating any conclusions, take some time to really think on this statement (this is called Meditation -- a lost discipline in our noisy world).
The key words in this statement are "Aligned" and "Purpose." I recently carried one of our automobiles to the shop to have the front end aligned. The car was riding fine but the tires were wearing out unevenly. This is a sign that something is "Out of Alignment." There is a certain setting that allows a car to perform at Maximum Capacity. (We could say that the car is "Happy" when things are aligned and set to factory design) Oh oh, there's a word that many people get tripped up on -- DESIGN! I am not interested in debating theories of our origins but social structures verify that we are all uniquely designed to accomplish different tasks. Thus, our PURPOSE. (I will begin the next blog article by talking about Purpose)
Let me end this post by reminding us of the POINT: What is True happiness? And, do we have any control over our happiness? This is the journey we are on. For now, think about the information so far and I really would value your input. As my friend (and sort of adopted daughter) Angie Mizzell says often in her blog, your input makes this journey so much more interesting. So, go ahead, share your thoughts, comments, questions, etc. with me. I'm all ears (or eyes since this is a word-driven media)
Disclaimer: Before making any comments, observations, or statements regarding the topic of Happiness let me assure you that I am on a journey to find truth on this topic for myself and for any person or people group who might read what I write or listen to my "talks." The purpose of sharing both my discoveries and dilemmas is to encourage you to "THINK" about how objective truth shapes your subjective reality. As always, I hope you are able to gain from anything I attempt to articulate; also know that I can learn much from you as well. So, here we go.
In our world there is the common misconception that "Happiness" stems from satisfying our basic "drives" or "desires." Expert advertising convinces us that we need 'MORE' and 'BETTER' of whatever appeals to us. Some believe money will make us happy while others think it will come through a relationship or good health. One possible reason why happiness seems so abstract and elusive in our culture is because it is contingent on so many different circumstances that are completely out of our control.
Obviously this is a consistent aspect of life that we are not going to change. What I am suggesting is that, since we cannot control situations that have major influence on our "HAPPINESS," shouldn't we look deeper for the kind of "Happiness" that survives through good times and seasons of painful trial? If we attach our "Happiness" to things that are likely to change we can expect to experience the "emotional roller coaster" that ebbs between happy and sad.
I want to present a statement that has huge potential (as well as major difficulties in such a diverse world of thought). But, here it is anyway:
TRUE HAPPINESS IS ONLY POSSIBLE WHEN WE ARE ALIGNED WITH OUR GREATER PURPOSE! Now, before commenting on or even formulating any conclusions, take some time to really think on this statement (this is called Meditation -- a lost discipline in our noisy world).
The key words in this statement are "Aligned" and "Purpose." I recently carried one of our automobiles to the shop to have the front end aligned. The car was riding fine but the tires were wearing out unevenly. This is a sign that something is "Out of Alignment." There is a certain setting that allows a car to perform at Maximum Capacity. (We could say that the car is "Happy" when things are aligned and set to factory design) Oh oh, there's a word that many people get tripped up on -- DESIGN! I am not interested in debating theories of our origins but social structures verify that we are all uniquely designed to accomplish different tasks. Thus, our PURPOSE. (I will begin the next blog article by talking about Purpose)
Let me end this post by reminding us of the POINT: What is True happiness? And, do we have any control over our happiness? This is the journey we are on. For now, think about the information so far and I really would value your input. As my friend (and sort of adopted daughter) Angie Mizzell says often in her blog, your input makes this journey so much more interesting. So, go ahead, share your thoughts, comments, questions, etc. with me. I'm all ears (or eyes since this is a word-driven media)
2 comments:
So I didn't comment right away... I've been thinking, thinking, thinking per your instruction. :)
TRUE HAPPINESS IS ONLY POSSIBLE WHEN WE ARE ALIGNED WITH OUR GREATER PURPOSE!
When I read that, I had the vision of Lucy in "The Charlie Brown Christmas" when she says "That's it!"
And perhaps that's why, when trying to determine my own purpose, I look back on times I felt truly happy.
I think our happiness can be clues on the path... but I don't think it's possible to be "happy" all the time. But it is possible to be content and/or feel at peace, even if we're sad or going through some sort of trial. (I put happy in quotes to show that the word has many meanings.)
I think we need to identify the happiness that comes from our circumstances (that can be taken away) and the happiness that comes from within, from our connection with God (that can't be taken away... even if we "turn away.")
We're human, and I'm not sure it's possible to live without becoming attached to outside things and not feel affected when we lose those things.
And maybe that's not the point. The point is to understand "true happiness" and be willing to take risks for that.
(Talk in circles much? She asks herself)
I concur completely with your assessments. I think the relationship between Purpose and Happiness can keep us focused and centered even when inwardly we are saddened by circumstances beyond our control.
Thanks for sharing your insights. As I said, this is a journey I am on as well.
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