Is that what life is all about? Sorry, TJ, but I have to disagree. Happiness is a feeling—fleeting and fragile. It can change in an instant. Pursuing happiness for its own sake often leads to dissatisfaction and emptiness. Of course, we all want to be happy, but happiness is just a by-product of something deeper—Joy.
Joy is the heart that pumps out streams of happiness, but it also sustains us when other, less pleasant emotions come flowing from the same source. Joy is steady. It anchors us. Happiness comes and goes, but joy endures.
I often ask myself:
-
How do I see myself?
-
Where is most of my time spent?
-
What are my motives?
-
What (or who) am I really pursuing?
Having lived through most emotions known to man, I can tell you—happiness is no longer my ultimate pursuit. Pursue God, and joy will follow—along with deep satisfaction and contentment, regardless of your emotional state.
For years, I wore facades—manipulating facts in “genuine and sincere” ways to suit my own desires. Sound familiar? Most of us do it at some point. We hide behind masks to impress others, hoping it’ll bring happiness. But eventually, the truth surfaces. Hidden hurts come knocking. Pride topples. The mask shatters. And you’re brought to your knees.
Yes, happiness will visit. But so will sadness, fear, loneliness, betrayal, anger, bitterness, rebellion, control, jealousy, and envy. And sometimes, they’ll win. When they come knocking, don’t let them stay long. Let their visit be brief. Don’t procrastinate their eviction—otherwise, they’ll invite their friends and throw a party in your mind. Cancel the soiree. Beware of the "punch."
The only real pursuit is God.
Recently, I read something powerful about joy that I want to share here:
Joy is an essential spiritual practice growing out of faith, grace, gratitude, hope, and love. It is the pure and simple delight in being alive. Joy is our elated response to happiness, pleasure, and the awareness of abundance. It’s also the deep satisfaction we experience when we serve others and celebrate their blessings. Invite joy into your life by staging celebrations. Mark transitions, toast small victories, dance freely. Life is not meant to be endured—it’s meant to be enjoyed.
We often link joy with its counterparts: joy and sorrow, happiness and sadness, smiles and tears, ecstasy and agony. Experiencing one deepens our understanding of the other. Sorrow may be the price we pay for joy—like when we grieve a relationship that once brought us great happiness. Or when we laugh so hard, we cry. It’s all connected.
When you're in the valley—when sorrow and sadness flood in—remember: these moments can be stepping stones to deeper joy.
Adios for now.
Comments