Facing Up To Self

Today, while at the Church Office, our secretaries were going through old files and getting ready to destroy those that had been archived for years and were of no value to keep. In those they found some of my teaching materials that were filed back in the 60's and 70's. I kept a few that they had run across. One of the lessons contained this subject material that I feel is approiate still today.

We all believe in something, whether it be power, money, prestige, or personal growth. We are usually willing to work for these things. But there is a difference in the way unhappy and happy persons approach their beliefs. The unhappy person thinks only of himself. Too much of the world is on the wrong scent in the pursuit of happiness, as Henry Drummond aptly put it. They think happiness is in having and getting and being served by others.

The happy person has outstripped his foundering friends by finding happiness in giving and serving others. As a matter of fact, the happy person dedicates himself to those things that are bigger than he is. He finds happiness more than the joy of serving self. His happiness comes from obligations that are fulfilled, duty that has been discharged, acts of generosity done secretly, and appreciation of the beautiful in nature, art and conduct. The happy person is one who believes that life is good despite setbacks and frustrations and then works to make his belief a reality. Believing in someone bigger than your self and relying on your faith is the main path to happiness.

Would you today consider yourself to be happy or unhappy?