Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it. -Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
I think we put too many parameters around our own happiness. Alot of us whether consciously or unconsciously live our lives day to day with this common thought floating around in our minds: I’ll be happier when _____________ happens. Fill in the blank. For each person, it’s something different. I’ll be happier when I’m married. I’ll be happier when I have my own home. I’ll be happier when I have more friends. I’ll be happier when I make more money. Society has taught us that these things are the mark of a happy and successful person. When did we decide to allow society to define our happiness? Life is not one size fits all. No one’s story is the same. I refuse to allow these things to dictate my sense of joy and being content. I’m single. I live with six roommates. I can always use more money. But guess what? I am living my life like it’s golden.
Just recently, I started a new job. I love the women that I work with. Several of them are in relationships and have children. When I tell them I am single with no kids, they tell me I’m living the dream. They tell me not to rush and to take my time, because I’ll wish I had this time back. It’s all about perspective.
I love the way that Kay Warren defines joy. She says, “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.” The truth is that you decide how happy you are going to be. No one can determine your attitude but you. You don’t have to allow your circumstances to rob you of happiness.
In Eph. 5:16, we are advised to make the most of every opportunity. Stop waiting and start living! Choose to see the beauty in every moment that you are in. Choose to focus on all the blessings in your life and the many things you have to be thankful for. Choose to go on adventures. Choose to try new things. Smile, laugh, enjoy the outdoors and a good cup of coffee among good friends. Life is about so much more than what society considers to be the milestones of success.
Recognize that God is with you in each moment that you are in. It is God that determines the course of your life and the next step. He has your best interest in mind and He loves you more than you can possibly understand or wrap your head around. Choose to trust Him with the big picture items and enjoy each small moment of happiness that you are in.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Prov. 3:5-6
