The Pursuit of Happiness

In the USA, we believe firmly in certain rights for every citizen.  One of those is the freedom to pursue happiness.  Of course, happiness has different dimensions and definitions.  Since it is a pursuit, it hinges on certain realities, and that is where being happy differs for people.  For some, the foundation of happiness is having the economy strong, and that means having enough money to do the things I want to do.  For others, the foundation is family - having everyone together and safe and unified.  For still others, happiness comes from having the career or job or activities that one wants to do.  

If those things are not there, then happiness is lost, and depression or sadness or frustration sets in.  We hear this now and then from those who have lost jobs and whose happiness depends on money.  We hear it when a family member is in a dangerous place or separated from family.  We hear it when a person gets too old or is too weak to do the things he wants to do.  

It's easier for those who are not suffering loss to stand aside and regard people as weak or wrong-headed who are frustrated or unhappy.  

But there is another answer for life, one that enables us to find happiness regardless of human situations or losses.  God has an economy, God has a family, God has a purpose.  To accept God's economy, to enter into God's family, to take on God's purposes in our own lives is to find a way to happiness that does not depend on having money, or a safe family, or doing what we want to do.  

God's Spirit has his own ways to produce happiness in our inner lives, and our outer lives as well.  As we tell the street kids, "you are not bound by your past."  Now are we bound by present realities.  We also tell the kids "money is not the answer."  And we tell them, "we are also your family."  

We are free to pursue happiness.  Let us keep our ears open to hear the enduring words, "Happy are those who...." (see Matthew 5)