Happiness isn’t about stuff, is it? I’m not denying that some of my stuff makes me happy. There are photos all over my house — of family and friends and of favorite quotes and Scripture verses — and seeing those creates a sense of happiness inside of me. And then there are gifts I’ve received that I treasure because they …
In Others’ Words: To the Ordinary
Ah, the lure of the extraordinary moments. When life is more than fine … beyond the best that I can imagine … lit up like a 4th of July sparkler. Yes, I’m grateful for those moments. And then there are the moments where life is … good. When there are no dirty dishes in my sink because my husband, bless …
In Others’ Words: Pick Your Size
Perspective is a valuable commodity. The challenge is, perspective is earned — through trial and error. Over time. You experience enough life, you gain clearer perspective. When you’re younger, life can be all about the big happiness: a birthday Christmas turning 13 … or 16 … or 18 … or 21 buying your first car sharing your first kiss …
In Others’ Words: Beyond Happiness
There were years I waited and watched for happiness. Hoped for happiness. And then … well, I wanted more. Happiness doesn’t stick around very long. It’s a minute by minute occurrence. Circumstantial. And I can’t control my circumstances. But oh, I’ve discovered I’ve changed through years of great happiness and great unhappiness — both fleeting. And I’ve discovered I can …
In Others’ Words: Choice
Was anyone else surprised that Groucho Marx said something this insightful? No disrespect meant towards Groucho — but I think of him as the wisecracking guy with the ginormous eyebrows and the cigar. I admire Groucho’s focus on each new day as it came — his realization that he couldn’t change yesterday or control tomorrow. And I like that he …
In Others’ Words: Be Happy
This past weekend, I listened to a radio broadcaster chat with a middle-schooler — asking the typical “What do you want to be when you grow up?” questions. Where do you want to go to college? What do you want to study? What kind of engineer do you want to be? (This, after the kid finally said he thought — …
In Others’ Words: Unexpected Happiness
Today’s photo makes me smile. Yeah, I look like a bit of a goof … but I’m an extremely happy goof. Those two women wrapping me in a hug? Not only are they tremendous blessings in my life — they are both huge surprises. It all goes back to my belief that God’s best is often behind the doors marked …
In Others’ Words: Imperfect
If happiness only occurs when everything is perfect . . . well then, not a one of us is ever going to experience a single second of happiness this side of heaven. And yet … happiness has embraced me in many less-than-perfect moments. Surprised me. Comforted me. Strengthened me. Imperfect doesn’t mean worthless. An imperfect moment (or moments) in a …