Thursday, October 15, 2009

Are you happy?

My quiet husband ever once in a while out of no where will ask me a deep question. Like yesterday at breakfast, he said...Are you happy? Well, after stopping in my tracks. It was interesting to follow my thought processes. I'm not unhappy. I'm well, finally over my cold. Your archery meet is over. Everyone seems to be doing okay right now despite their individual problems, etc. etc. All this speeds through your mind in mili-seconds and then I found myself saying: YES! I'm happy!

But then I started wondering what happiness really is. JOY I know-sublime spiritual feelings of communion with deity. PLEASURE-a momentary passage of enjoying something completely, but HAPPINESS? So I looked it up in the dictionary, I found it defined as contentment. Ah yes, I like that definition. At the moment I am contented with where I live, the kind of person I'm trying to become, the activities I am involved with, the friends I have, my church membership, etc. Does that mean everything is perfect? NO! This is earth life and is meant to be full of CHALLENGES and TRIALS to STRENGTHEN and TEST us, but then I understand that I can be content with less than perfect days, friends, activities, etc.


It is involved also with GRATITUDE and EXPECTATIONS. Not being greedy or selfish but trying to give some SERVICE each day to others and remembering to PRAY for GUIDANCE and DIRECTION in all we do. Yes, I am HAPPY. If you are unhappy, take a moment and list all the blessings in your life and focus on them for a while instead of your problems...

12 comments:

  1. I may be contented with my life, but how can I possibly be happy when my husband isn't happy because he is worried that he might be laid off from work?

    When people near and far aren't happy/content, then how can I be?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Contentment can be even better than happy.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes, I do believe I'm happy right now. I feel very lucky... so far. Happiness can be fleeting.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good post Lin. Quite often, I have to tell myself to count my blessings when I think I'm not happy. Could things be better? Of course. But could they be worse too? Of course! So yes, I'm happy to be here today:)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow. Very interesting thought process. See, my first thought would have been "Why is he asking me that? Is HE unhappy? Is my marriage in trouble?" Of course, I'm divorced from a cheating son-of-a...well, you know. lol

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm happy. I love my life and realize I have many things for which to be thankful. I have an exceptional husband, I have my health and he has his, we have a warm home, our bills are paid; we have good friends and family. I guess we couldn't ask for more. I've never been one who has felt that THINGS bring one happiness.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes, I am content, and when I'm not, I analyze why and do something about it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love following your thoughts. Happiness. I know it each step of the way despite the challenges.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Interesing post. Lots of us have pondered this. Found you via nature notes.BTW, I LOVE your comic characters with the heart eyes. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. A very thought-provoking post, as always. Makes me stop and think.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am thankful for a relative 'contented nature.' Ya got me thinking again!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I think that happiness can be fleeting and contentment lasts longer.. Interesting that your husband would say that. I would be shocked if my husband ever asked me that..

    ReplyDelete