“True religion…is giving and finding one’s happiness by bringing happiness into the lives of others.” – William J.H. Boetcker (1873-1962)
I have an acquaintance who is on a personal journey from his roots in a fairly traditional, orthodox religious denomination to embracing an eclectic view of religion, faith, karma, and purpose. He seems happy and content with the freedom he is finding in examining noble purposes – purposes that uplift, affirm, and broaden his life. Hence I follow him on Facebook because he prompts me to evaluate my worldview statement – “every life should have a noble purpose.”
I don’t know for certain, but I suspect he has found release from seeing things as right/wrong/ yes/no, obeying/questioning. I suspect he has discarded constraints that have previously hindered his ability to sense and serve the needs of people from other faith traditions. He seems to have found broader definitions for words such as happiness, faith, God, purpose and tolerance.
I mention this because my friend/acquaintance appears so happy when I see him on Facebook Live or in photos or various other video presentations online. His online presence is overflowing with happiness and energy. Quite frankly, I want some of that.
Finding happiness in one’s life is a very specific undertaking. While you and I may have teachers, confidantes, family, and friends who suggest ways to find happiness, in the end it is our task alone to find that which offers us happiness.
Happiness begins easily enough. Because today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, I decided to pay for the coffee of the person behind me in the drive thru lane. As I pulled into a vacant parking spot to drink my coffee, I wondered what the person whose coffee I just purchased was thinking. I didn’t have to wonder for long, because suddenly there was a knock on my car’s window. It was the recipient of my free cup of coffee. The person thanked me for the unexpected kindness I had shown them. They asked why I did what I did. I explained the National Day of Random Acts of Kindness concept. The person said my simple act of kindness had been a blessing. They seemed happy which made me happy.
So tomorrow I will try to find some occasion to help someone else find a little happiness. It probably won’t be the coffee thing again. For instance, I know someone who is the sole care provider for a terminally ill relative. She never gets a break from care-giving and never has a moment to herself. Perhaps I can offer her some company or a respite from care-giving. I am sure she hasn’t had a moment to herself in many months. I want to do that – I can do that.
“True religion…is giving and finding one’s happiness by bringing happiness into the lives of others.”
Every life should have a noble purpose. That’s when we will get a glimpse of the power and promise of hope – the theme of this blog site.
Start small, think about your life. What have you learned, what can you share, what happiness or kindness can you offer to someone in need?
“I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in their toil.” (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13)
A lovely reminder of what each person can do instead of feeling helpless, instead of whining, instead of feeling lonely. The power for happiness is always within us because no one has a reason to keep from being kind..