August 18, 2014 (Monday)
“Happiness is..”
How would you complete that sentence?
“Happiness” is defined by some as “a mental or emotional state of well-being characterized by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.”
I would like to suggest two actions that can help us in our quest for happiness:
1. Be thankful
2. Forgive
Be thankful. “Thanksgiving” is a day on our calendar that has expanded into a season of the year. But it is more than that. It is a way of life, put into motion every day, no matter the season.
Many of Jesus’ prayers began, “Father, I thank Thee..”
The Apostle Paul was thankful for the good and bad things that came his way, and encouraged us to be “thankful in all ways for all things.”
Forgive. “Forgiveness” is the other action needed for happiness.
First of all, we need to accept the forgiveness of our Heavenly Father for all our own sins. Then we need to realize that forgiveness of others is the natural result of being forgiven ourselves. We can forgive. Oh, yes, we can. It may not be easy. But it can be done. And when it is sincerely done, the pain and bitterness will flow away from our hearts and we can breath the fresh air of God’s grace in our daily lives. Then, we must forgive ourselves. That may be the hardest part for some. But it must be done. Make restitution if you must, set things right if you can, but by all means forgive yourself.
Forgiven, forgiving, and thankful, we can go out to meet every new day with joy in life and peace in our hearts.