Happiness Is a Choice

      Good evening everyone,
I'm tired. I am bumping this up. I wrote this last year on May 23rd. It a message that is still worth hearing. I trust that you will enjoy it.
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      Today has been wonderful; the weather is lovely. This morning, the skies showered the region, scrubbing the air and refreshing it. I'm mindful of a quote: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."  Abraham Lincoln echoed this sentiment when he said happiness requires very little, it's all in our way of thinking.

         I choose to be grateful, full of hope, looking backward with thankfulness and looking forward with eager anticipation. I'm thankful because I know I'm not alone.

I know God's love; I'm accepted by Him.  Not only do I have a relationship with God, but I'm connected----bonded to many others who love and accept me unconditionally.

      I'm not pollyannaish. (click here for more information). There's warfare in the world, many go hungry, daily; abuse is pervasive in the world; I'm mindful of these facts and that many nowadays are without work. Despite these realities, I know God is still on the throne and He continues to answer prayer. I know a Power greater than ourselves who provides us with the sanity and serenity we seek. I know my vision for my life and I'm fulfilling it. Life doesn't get richer than that.

“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self- gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.   Helen Keller

     How are you? I'm amazed at what we choose to focus upon. Yes, there are problems that surround us. Complaining about them doesn't solve them. I find it better for us to sweep our own porch; if we do, the world will be that much more tidier. Spewing bile may offer a temporary release. Doing what we can about the issue, is a much more constructive alternative; let it begin with me.
     It surprises me how much we stay in our mind, without subsequent action. My experience, having a classical and thorough education,  is using analysis to make sense of the nonsensical and control the uncontrollable.  That's futility. I know it's chic to be critical, sophisticated to be sassy. I'd rather fill my heart with love and praise for the good things life provides. Don't you agree? As I wrote someone recently, the problem with focusing on the problem is not only is it a downer but we are focusing on the problem. Of course, we'll get upset, if that's our viewpoint. I'd rather look to the alternatives as to what I can do. That's staying in the solution.

 "All the beautiful [or critical] sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action."    

                            James Russel Lowell

      What many don't realize is that a negative perspective is not always the result of an astute analytical mind. Anyone can complain. That's being consumed with negativity. For many, they're not aware that their negativity has nothing to with their assessment skills. Their viewpoints are often a result of a heart filled with blame, shame, guilt, judgment. Many critics are simply continuing the negative legacy of having grown up in the toxicity of a negatively, depressive, critical home. They've been trained to be critical, looking for what's wrong.

Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Philippians 4:8.

     That's what I choose to do. In keeping with that theme, here are my gratitudes for today:
1. Today, I watched my baseball team play. It was nice to take in a game. It slowed the pace of my evening. Baseball is a game of nuances; it has the speed of yesteryear, when life wasn't as frantic.
2. I spoke with one of my older brothers this afternoon. It's nice connecting with family and catching up on the latest news.
3. I'm thankful for patience. Patience allows me to slow down, when everything seems to swirl around me. I find turning things over to God makes life more bearable and it increases my patience.
4. I had an open conversation with one of my sons. I like the openness and honesty we have in our relationship. It's great relating with my son as an adult. It is a source of joy to hear his mature, thoughtful perspective.

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   Have a great and grateful weekend,

Related Posts:
Getting Beyond Disappointment 
"Happiness is a Choice"  Part II