True Happiness Comes From Who, Not What

I just noticed I threw all of you back to October 4th yesterday...sorry! Maybe I could have been a vote counter!? Ha!Anyhow, I got to thinking about happiness and how it has evolved for me over the years after a heartfelt conversation with a friend who is overcoming a problem with drinking and finding a life he never knew...a life of real happiness. Does any of this sound familiar? If only I had…if only I drove…if only I wore…if only I knew…if only I won…then I would feel better about myself. Then I would be happy. Sounds real familiar to me...or at least it did. We all think this, but is it true? Day after day, we try to accomplish goals, have nice things, make it to every meeting on time, dress for success…the list goes on and on. But no matter how much we get right, how much we own, or how often we’re the best-dressed people in the room, drive the coolest truck, we’re still not happy.That’s because happiness ain’t got nothing to do with WHAT we have but rather WHO we’re with. Man, when we were kids, we were happy just being with our friends and having fun. We didn’t know what we had or didn’t have, we were just happy. We didn’t care about it, we just wanted to be with the ones we love. I think you’ll have a similar mindset when you reach the end of your life. You won't long for the what. You'll long for the who, for better, healthier connections with others. That’s because peace in our relationships is what makes us happy.You simply can’t be happy if you aren’t at peace with the people around you. Perhaps this is why Jesus talked so much about loving others and making things right with them.Take a minute to think about your relationships. Are you holding a grudge against an old friend? Is there a secret you’re keeping from your spouse? Are you jealous of a friend? Try Jesus’ advice to “go and be reconciled to them.” You might discover that happiness comes from who, not what.Be Nice, Grace Wins