But are we happier?
In fact, let us ask, what is happiness?
Are you happy? On a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being mildly happy and 10 being ecstatic with excitement and joy; where are you right now?
Humour me and just right down a number on a piece of paper.
You see, happiness is not a binary YES/NO switch whereby we are happy or not. It is relative to a point in time, and a situation in time.
Right now when you write down your number you may be at ease in your mind and body. No great worries or physical pains. On the other hand, you may be concerned about your job, your financial situation or your health or that of a loved one. These factors will affect your happiness score.
If I asked you for your score tomorrow or the day after your score may well be different.
When we are in a bad place in life, and our happiness scale is sliding down perhaps into the minus figures, what do we do then? Where is our God on Whom we profess we rely?
Personally, I believe He is still there, caring and loving us as He has ever done. The fact that we are in negative figures does not mean that He has turned away or is busy with someone else's problems.
As best we can, through gritted teeth even, we should turn to Him in prayer and ask for His help; and be patient in awaiting His response.
The fact that we are still praying, despite perhaps our diminishing faith, proves that we believe that there is Someone out there somewhere listening to us. Our faith is strengthened in such situations rather than diminished.
So, let me ask you again. On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you right
now? Is the figure different from the one you wrote earlier? Why?
ReplyDeleteI think they could have been happier because they did not have all the distractions we have and comparisons to other people. But...it does make life easier to be able to look up something at a moment's notice. Does easier=happier? Hard to say.
You make a good point Sandi. But one thing is for sure, the internet has made it easier for us to meet each other and other bloggers.
DeleteGod bless.
I don't think previous generations were any happier, they just dealt with misery and death better than we do, probably because it was pretty common. My mom always took death in stride, both her parents died before she was 10, her little sister died at 3, she knew several friends that passed before they were 20. NOt happier, but definitely more stoic.
ReplyDeleteVery wise words, JoeH. I agree, previous generations took difficult things much better than now. I know my parents went through terrible times and never showed any emotions; although I am sure they felt them deeply.
DeleteGod bless and thank you.
I'm holding steady at '7.' In spite of Tom's 'iffy' health, I feel blessed to be surrounded by family and friends ... loving life in the slow lane. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't recall if I mentioned my favorite columnist (Sean Dietrich) to you before; but I think you might like what he wrote a few days ago about happiness v. passion.
https://seandietrich.com/the-career-man/
PS - I so enjoyed Fr. Francis' rendition of this song!
I am still praying for you and Tom, Mevely. Let us trust in God together. I shall check out Sean Dietrich's article right now.
DeleteFather Francis' rendition is slightly slower than the original Ken Dodd version of the song. He always finished his comedy shows with this song and asked the audience to join in.
God bless, Mevely. Stay strong my friend.
Great article by Sean. Thank you Mevely.
DeleteGod bless.
You are right, Victor. It is all relative. The only constant is God. I know my way home:)
ReplyDeleteYes Chris it is all relative, as explained by Einstein's Theory of Relativity. The richer one is the more relatives will turn up at the funeral.
DeleteKeep smiling Chris. God bless you always.
This is so true, and I think there is a difference between happiness and joy. The joy of the Lord in our souls gives us a smile even when our external happiness factors are ebbing. As all of your other blog readers, commenters, and everyone else in the world, I am walking through some hard, hard places, but I am looking to Jesus. As long as I keep my eyes on Him, my joy is full, and my happiness is complete. I tell you, it means something to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and do all He requires, but there is no better or happier way to live.
ReplyDeleteIt is often at the most difficult of times that we turn our sight to Jesus. He is but a prayer away and ready to help. What a relief that is.
DeleteGod bless you and yours, Cheryl.
I think today some people do not know what happiness ts unless they have their phones. It's sad to see them glued to devices because they are missing out on life. I'm pretty happy and very thankful that I am still ticking away and give thanks that I only have minor pains and aches but I do complain about that occasionally. :) I always believe that God gives us what we can handle so that thought is in my thinking.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice evening, Victor.
Well said, Bill. Today's generation seems to love its gadgets. And yes, God allows us what we can handle. Praying for you my friend. Have a nice day.
DeleteGod bless.
As you pointed out, my happiness is tied more to what's going on in my life at any given point in time. It ebbs and flows. However, I can be CONTENT whether I am happy or not.
ReplyDeleteGood point well made, Kathy. Wishing you constant contentment.
DeleteGod bless.
With a name like happyone I am pretty happy all the time.
ReplyDeleteI think more of what I have is Joy. A deep peace and contentment that can only come from God, no matter what the circumstances we find ourselves in.
It's true. Real joy is when we focus on God and what He has given us.
DeleteGod bless, Happyone.
Happiness is fleeting and fickle, but when we have joy in the Lord, we can live in trust and hope that He will see us through whatever rough patch we are going through. At the moment, there are multiple events going on in my life that are NOT making me happy, but I'm doing lots of praying, and it's helping so very much.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Victor!
Martha, I promise to pray with you that all the concerns in your life will soon be resolved according to God's will. Let us trust in Him together.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
One thing i know, i can always raise my happiness number by being grateful for something, and there is always something for which to be grateful.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very positive way of looking at life, Mimi.
DeleteGod bless you.
I think it's a mixture of happiness and contentment, and this can ebb and flow as we each follow life's winding path.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Well said, Jan. Happiness and contentment are never constant.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.