An old man lived in the village. He was one of the most unfortunate people in the world. The whole village was tired of him, he was always gloomy, constantly complained and always was in a bad mood. The longer he lived, the more bile was becoming and the more poisonous were his words. People avoided him, because his misfortune became contagious. It was even unnaturally and insulting to be happy next to him. He created the feeling of unhappiness in others. But one day, when he got eighty years old, an incredible thing happened. Instantly everyone heard the rumor: “An Old Man is happy today, he doesn’t complain about anything, smiles, and even his face is freshened up”. The whole village gathered together. An old man was asked: – What happened to you? – Nothing special.. – he answered. – Eighty years I’ve been chasing happiness, and it was useless. And then… I decided to live without happiness and just enjoy life… That is why I am happy now! ( Medium.com)
Unfortunately, people we hang out with or run into can affect who we are and what we do. It can also affect what direction we take with our life. Even if it is just avoiding someone!!!!!! Now is the time to start learning, growing, and moving forward to rest free of regrets of what we did or didn’t do. To many people wait all day for 5PM, all week for Friday, all year for the holidays, all their lives for happiness. You know a lifetime isn’t that long. The length of time we have isn’t a guarantee. We need to make our dreams bigger than our fears. Our actions need to speak louder than words. We need to make our life preach louder than our lips. The relationship we have with ourselves is more important than the relationship we try to validate ourselves with another person. Small acts of kindness can make the world a better place and us happier to be in that place. Behind every beautiful happy life is some kind of past lessons or worthwhile pain. We all need something even if it is just a smile to receive or pass on to someone else who needs it. I go through my life every day and I notice how unhappy most people are. Driving angry, in line somewhere unhappy, mad where they are going or unhappy where they are coming from. Forgetting about kindness, appreciation or gratitude. Not enjoying anything they are doing and at the end of the day not being grateful for all they could of enjoyed during their journey of the day let alone their journey of life. Just existing going from one day to the next empty fatigue, which is totally different from gratifying exhaustion. Again life is too short not to focus more on what matters most.
What matters most to you? What we do with our life matters! Where we spend our time matters! You may say standards aren’t the point, but they are a reflection of our dedication. I say again that you can’t be something unless you do something. Put emptiness on the wheel, darkness, deceit, no dedication to your church and God, it will come back to bite you. Put light, kindness, love, on the wheel and it will come back to embrace you. Purity doesn’t just happen. We must be on our guard because Satan knows our weak points. Be aware, be dedicated and above all stay close to Christ. Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” The good News: The only source of true happiness is the Lord. All of the things you receive in your life that give you happiness are because of the Lord.
The Lord has provided us with so much. It is our turn to make the best of what is in front of us. Spread kindness, gratitude, and love. Take a deep breath. We are allowed to be human, and learn the way of happiness, on the journey! God’s blessings to all of you.
In Christian Love,
Rev. Walter Coy
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