I am not happy mummy, stuttered my little girl.
Mum: why are you unhappy?
Child: because I am sad.
Mum: why are you sad.?
Child: I don't know.
Mum: think about it: why are you sad?
Child: with hand in mouth, a thoughtful cute expression on her face
Suddenly smiled and said, I am happy mummy. I just want you to give me sweets...
Kids, they are the cutest innocent creatures God created.
This got me thinking about what makes us happy?
We are happy when we have a good summer’s day and sad when it is winter, cold or a rainy wet day.
We may not think of happiness in these terms, but these things do affect our mood.
We are happy when we hear good news sad when bad news greets us.
Our happiness is predicated on something happening to, in and around us. Hence our daily state of being is based on our daily happenings, which determines whether we are happy or sad.
Sometimes we are unhappy because being overly happy and optimistic is frown on by society. So in order to blend in we wear an unhappy or happy expression. Which is sometimes necessary in funerals and weddings.
Without knowing it this expression becomes a permanent feature of our expression.
So it is no surprise that in summer months everyone is happy because every one blends in. Same in winter months, some wear a sad gloomy, grey expression because everyone does the same.
If you pause, like my little girl did, ask your self are you sad?
Why?
Why?
We are created to have these emotions. However the unfortunate thing happens when we remain in a permanent state of sadness. We can't seem to be happy when something good happens to us or one else, but easily identify with ill tidings. We just cannot understand why some people are overly unhappy.
We often avoid anyone with an infectious disease, from the mildest cold to severe cases of Ebola. We go to great lengths to avoid contact with such persons. Why then are we comfortable around unhappy people? Those whom we know are always in a constant state of being sad.
We expose ourselves to them, become use to them and wonder why we too are unhappy.
Why we cannot change anyone’s situation, we can influence them and be a positive image of hope.
The bible tells us to guard our hearts, for me this means being aware of threats to my state of being happy or joyous and to protect myself with the word of God.
Do not give unhappy thoughts room to spread. They are like disease, which spreads spreads fast after infecting you. They go on to infect everyone you come in contact with, who in turn will have no choice but to blend in.
If your unhappy state is as a result of things which happened in your past, seek help. Address these issues and try to find closure to arrive at peaceful shores. (Of course, if you have suffered the loss of a loved one, it is normal to grieve, remember your love one fondly and in time your pains will become bearable).
However, If you are one of those who are in a permanent state of being sad regardless, embark on a soul searching excise to find out the reason for your state of sadness, address them, get help.
Pause and think, you may find that there really is nothing to be sad about. Even if there is, find joy in Christ, be assured of his promises, let them fill you with hope.
The realisation that Christ in you is all you need, will cause you to break out in a big smile and do a dance of happiness. Embrace your present life and enjoy the sense of freedom being happy brings.
Then think about what makes you happy or can make you happy:
Perhaps it's the blooming of a rose in summer.
The buzzing of the flying bees, flapping and dance to the inviting lure of sweet nectar.
Perhaps it's the chiming of church bells.
Or the pitta patter of rain drops on the roof tops.
Perhaps, it's the lapping of ocean waves rising up high, displaying the beauty of the power of creation.
Perhaps, it's the chorus of choir singing melodious tunes.
It maybe, the sight of your love ones, which causes your heart to skip a beat.
Or it's the kindness of strangers.
Or the dream of a better dawn.
And the vision of greater things to come or
The laughter of a child dancing in the rain
The quietness of dawn, heralding the birth of a new day
Or the glow of sunset, displaying its golden hue on the horizon.
Or the beautiful frosty leave on a cold winters mornings.
Straight from my heart is this piece to encourage you that regardless of what is happening around you, do not blend in. We cannot be happy all the time, (although some people are). let's snap out of an unhappy state quickly, because the truth is, being sad or unhappy, is infectious.
Whatever makes you happy maybe real or imagined.
Regardless, be happy.
Psalm 146:5 Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD.
Be happy.
