Others have the right to expect that we keep the promises we make, that we tell the truth, that we pay our debts, that we cause them no injury, and that we do nothing that might impede their pursuit of a well-lived life. These expectations are obligations of justice. Beyond obligations of justice stand what I believe are three virtuous habits that can lead to a life filled with happiness:
Altruism
Jim Cowan identified generosity and kindness toward others in his lyrics:
When it’s all said and done, there is just one thing that matters. Did I do my best to live for truth? Did I live my life for you? All my treasures will mean nothing. Only what I’ve done for love’s reward will stand the test of time.
Gratitude
We all can make a long list of reasons to be grateful. You make your own list. As I was making mine, these lyrics from Butterfly Kisses came to mind:
There are two things I know for sure. She was sent here from heaven and she’s daddy’s little girl. As I drop to my knees by her bed at night. I thank God for all the joy in my life and for butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer. In all that I’ve done wrong, I must have done something right to deserve a hug in the morning and butterfly kisses at night.
Optimism
With loss of optimism, come spiritual loss, emotional decline and physical decay. Lyrics from Love She Found in Me provide a strategy for remaining optimistic:
She looked in a heart so sad and saw what no one ever had. Beneath the snow, she saw the spring. She finds good in everything. Even on the darkest night, she knows where to find the light. Give her thorns and she’ll find the roses. Give her sand she’ll find the sea. Give her rain and she’ll find the rainbows. Just see the love she’s found in me.
Happiness is…everyone who passes you at work says hi to you and calls you by your name.
Happiness is…the girl at the coffee shop knows you want a Venti White Chocolate Mocha without your uttering a word.
Happiness is…spending time by a sick friend’s hospital bed without looking at your watch.
Happiness is…caring for a wonderful 91 year-old on a Friday night without regards to any plans you’ve previously made for the evening.
Happiness is…that in a few hours, the children you've been missing will be running in your arms.
Happiness is…loving God, and knowing He loves you.
Joy transcends happiness. Steady and certain, joy comes from the confident assurance that God loves us and seeks to help us act according to His good purpose. While happiness depends on happenings, joy depends on the conviction that God strengthens us in our weaknesses even though his presence remains unseen.
How does God love? I suspect He loves sacrificially. When we take time to listen, to help and to encourage others, we love like God. When we give our prayers, our gifts, our presence and our service for the betterment of others, we love like God.
How does God think? I suppose He considers the eternal more important than the temporary. When we think like God, we endure adversity without bitterness and abide prosperity without conceit.
Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13
7 comments:
Good Morning Noel...
I have just read your post and am a little overwhelmed by it.
I will be back to comment later..too difficult now.
I wish that there was something I could do to help you...From Terry
Best post you have ever written, Emmy. So few understand the difference between happiness and joy. Being "happy" depends on circumstances. Being joyful is a choice that has nothing to do with how others are treating you or what is happening day to day. Chose joy, Emmy, know that you are loved and enjoy your day with you precious children. I miss them, too. "The joy of the LORD is you strength." Nehemiah 8:10
What a great post Noel. You've brought up points that are sure to stick in my mind for a while.
As for the white chocolate mocha... definitely in my top 3 drinks to order at Starbucks- yum!!
April was the craziest and busiest month I've ever had to deal with, so I've fallen so far behind in my own blogging and keeping up with everyone else's too. I always keep you and your children in my prayers though, and I hope you are all doing well.
-Lauren
Happiness is... having caring friends who encourage you during the rough times.
Dear Noel..
After reading Anonymous's comment,I went back and read your post.
How right "Anon", is!
It has to be your best!
You have gone through this fiery trial and you have come out as gold.
I think that you have kept the promises you have made, and the Lord knows.
In His eyes those promises remain unbroken.
Jim Cowan's lyrics remind me of a verse that Bernie and I have hanging on our wall:
"Only one life.
'Twill soon be past,
Only what's done,
For Christ will last!"
I think Noel Lewis, you HAVE done your all!
You have remained faithful and loving, and true!
"Butterfly Kisses"...
Such a beautiful song!
I cried when I first heard that song,tears of joy for the dads that had such a great privilege of having a little girl to love so much!
Your little princess loves you with all her heart Noel and nothing on this earth will ever change that!
How much gratitude do I have in having you and Lauren-mary as friends and although I don't know Anonymous, I am always so glad to read the kind remarks and encouraging words that that dear person has spoken to you Noel Lewis.
I am so grateful that although none of us might never meet in this life that we will surely meet in heaven!
And great grandpa will be there too!!
The lovely words that you have put below the word "Optimism, fill my heart with joy!
I have read so many of Cory Ten Boom books and they are just full of her optimism.
She thanked God for every situation.
No matter how dark were her days sometimes, she without fail found the rainbow and the golden promises of that God Who would never leave her.
I am glad that you know that God.
I am glad that you know for sure that that God has never left you and that He ever holds you in His loving arms, Noel Lewis.
Joy is steady burning ember in our heart and soul that will never go out because the Lord Himself is tending to it, even though by times, we let the sadness of life and its disappointments overwhelm us.
God loves us without reservation, and even though we are so unworthy of that love, He showers it upon us anyways, every moment of our life!
Isaiah 57:15.."For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and lofty place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones..
What a promise Noel!
My cup is full and running over!.....from Terry
Hello, Mr. Lewis,
I came over here after seeing and reading about you on Terry's site (and what a beautiful job you did there!)...and I find a wonderful post, and from the comments it sounds like I have been blessed to read your best! I will definitely come back and check out your blog often. I am just getting used to blogs...I've been reading the Pilgrim's for a few months, and am jumping around to others as I feel more comfortable.
May the Lord bless you and draw you closer to Him.
Good morning Noel..I haven't heard from you for a while and I am just hoping that all is well with you..Please let us know OK, You are so dear to all of your friends and to God...Love Terry
Post a Comment