Before I begin, I cannot say how thrilled I am to welcome summer. Because of this, I will be taking the next several months off and will be coming back in the fall with all-new articles. Until then, you can catch me on Twitter where I am updating my “Year of Thanks” tweets, and on Instagram where I am posting photos of life as it happens.
In the meantime, this is what is on my mind this week:
What is it that makes some people jolly and others miserable? In fact, let me turn the question on its head. Does money buy happiness? After all, is that not what everyone looks to when thinking about being satisfied?
I am sure that if you think about it for a moment, money is the furthest thought on your mind when it comes to happiness. Right? We all want love, joy, peace, comfort, none of which we can attain without first understanding what happiness is.
Ah, but I hear someone say, “Money will certainly buy me comfort—a new sofa, a new bed, a new car, house, wardrobe.”
Yes, I agree, but for how long? Once the newness fades, then what? I can see why some folks end up in a cycle of going to work, buying stuff, paying the bills for the stuff they bought, and going out to buy other stuff to protect their stuff. Meanwhile, as the home becomes fuller, life becomes emptier.
This is why I would like you to think about this next question. Take your time and really think about it. If you want, you can leave a comment—or not. It is entirely up to you. This is all about you, and you really do not have to share a thing.
So here is my question:
How do you enjoy life?
Again, take your time to think about it. It all has to do with the perception of happiness. What do you perceive happiness being?
I will start it off. For me, happiness is spending time with my family, sharing experiences with friends, and praying and listening to God. Add to that good food, travel, and fulfillment with everything else that I do, there you have a perfect composite of me enjoying life.
Now, what about you?
Looking to God 
What a lovely message Jack. You might be interested on my post about change.
“The joy of the Lord is my strength” and as this is the truth, my happiness is based on what brings joy to the Lord. He takes pleasure in us, He dances over us, our Lord gave us nature, the heavens, the oceans, flowers for our pleasure. He gave us the ability to feel all sorts of wonderful emotions, and the best of theses is love. He pours His love into us so that we may distribute it widely. My pursuit of happiness ended when I realized that contentment in all that my Lord has done in me, is His sufficiency through me. Seeking happiness was my goal for years, but now harnessing the joy of the Lord, is mostly being still in His Presence, counting my blessings, and waiting to see how the Lord will use what was intended for harm, as good, for His glory. I have had a good portion of pain in my life, and as my hope in anchored in His promise for my future, I get happy just thinking of the glorious reunion with my son, mom, dad and loved ones in heaven. The world promotes happiness based on having, or getting, or experiencing ….and yes, I am happy that God has provided me with a great husband, a new home, and great friends, I like to think that a lasting joy comes from within, His strength has sustained me through much pain and loss. GREAT ARTICLE.
I agree with what you said. God is of course an important factor in my pursuit of hapiness. Happiness for me is making the most out of every precious moment I am given, whether in that moment I have a lot or I have a little, because with God in it I always have enough.
Family and good friends are very important to me. And quality time over quantity time is what makes me enjoy life. I also enjoy just being outside in nature – It gives me a sense of peace and tranquility, regardless of what season, too. Of course, combining the outdoors with friends and family makes it even better! It’s simple but there you have it.
It’s funny you mention money and buying stuff… I’m at a point in my life where I am trying to purge the clutter and things from our house. I’m very selective of what I really need to buy. It’s a question of, “Do I really NEED this?” We’ve been donating large garbage bags and boxes almost monthly since the start of 2017. My husband is not like me so i will never get that minimalist feel but when I purge I feel at peace. It’s very zen-like for me… to try and only have what we really need.
I see friends who are very big into the latest home theatres and best cars – but when they get it, they want the next best thing. It never ends and I don’t think they are truly happy. I don’t care what I drive as long as I can get from A to B safely.
If I’m going to use money, I’d rather put it towards experiences with my husband and daughter – like traveling. There are so many places in this world I hope to see before the end of my life!
Great question – love it!
Happiness used to be my goal. Now joy is. Happiness seems based upon circumstance and environment and joy is deeper and is a peace and wholesome truth that all is pleasant and provided for well regardless of what is going on in the world. I’m sure you are on that page but just saying. 🙂 Enjoy your rest! God bless you. 🙂
How do I enjoy life? First, I remember that “The joy of the Lord is my strength!” I find that MY joy can be short lived depending on circumstances. But, the joy that God gives me…HIS presence within me…cannot be taken away.
Yes–my family and my friends give me joy. But, I have to say that my deepest joy and contentment come from being closely connected with the Lord. The stronger the connection — the more joy I get out of life!
ENJOY your summer, Brother Jack! May the Joy of the Lord flow over you and within you! May you experience peace, refreshment, and new revelation as you connect with Him and with others! God bless you!
Actually a very pertinent question, Jack. I find that I’m evolving and (if not constantly, then regularly) redefining what makes me happy. And, fortunately or un-, the truth can be painful sometimes.
My summer is eternal. Enjoy your shorter version.
Family and friends are the lifeline for me, especially the children in the family. Nature is second and writing is my frosting on the cake. Enjoy the summer, Jack
Oh yeah, spending time with my family is high on the list. Also, spending time alone on a cold stream casting my fly rod. That time alone seems to really make me appreciate the time with others more deeply. I think we need both things to be happy.
Oh and have a good summer! See you when you get back.
Yes for me it is family and friends. But it is also writing something I am proud of, watching wild geese play, a sunset, a sunrise, children exploring . . .the list is endless. I choose to find happiness everywhere. In 58 years it hasn’t gotten stale.