The Way of Joy

When's the last time you smiled?

For some of us, maybe that's right now. Maybe for others, it's been days. My question is, what makes you smile?

Is it a joke, good company, drinking a cup of hot chocolate? There are many reasons we smile, but usually, it's for one simple premise. We smile because we're happy. 

Yes, I know, this is pretty obvious. But if you want to explain something, you have to define your terms. You've got to get to the root of things, otherwise, nothing makes sense. 

Of course, the first objection to this statement, we smile because we're happy, that comes to my mind is this: We also smile when we're joyful. To some people, joy and happiness are the same. But they're not.

Happiness is a feeling. Joy is a fact. 

Granted, the two things are related but it's important to note: Happiness can come from joy, but it is not necessary for it. It is somewhat similar to this proposition, we don't love God because we want to get to Heaven. We love God because He is merciful enough to give us one. Getting to Heaven is not a certainty, it's a choice. A gift freely given, but only if we accept it. The chance for redemption. The chance to have all our desires fulfilled. The choice to be with Him forever.

That's a happy thought. No, it's a joyful thought. We're happy just thinking about it, but we're joyful because we know it's true.

Are you following me? If yes, then good. Unfortunately, that's not what this post is about. I don't know enough about joy just now. So, I'm going to talk about happiness. However, it's important for you to understand the difference between the two. All clear? Good, let's move on.

I think happiness is important. Like friendships, to paraphrase C.S. Lewis, it's something that has no survival value, rather it's something that gives value to survival. It helps one to live, instead of the mere mundane task of living. 

One thought, in particular that I happen to be pondering on, is the question of, what should one be happy about? I think the answer is very simple. Everything should make us happy. Within reason, of course. Let me put that a little clearer. Everything that is of God should make us happy. By extension, everything that is good should be a reason for happiness.

And to do that, we have to become little kids again. And no, I don't mean abandoning all responsibilities and acting foolishly. I mean we need to regain our sense of wonder. You've probably heard this concept before, but there's no harm in repetition. 

The suggested course of action I propose is trying to find happiness in all that we do. I want to make the world one great playground. Why do I want this? For several reasons. 

One, it pleases God. This may come as a shock to us, but God actually likes seeing us happy. He loves His creation. What good father doesn't want to see their children laugh? And no, God doesn't enjoy watching His children suffer. What He does enjoy, is when we suffer for Him. God appreciates our sufferings because they are a sign of our love for Him. Just like dirty and worn hands are signs of hard work, suffering is the sweetest kiss of love we can offer.

Two, this is how we are meant to live. God created us to have life and to have it abundantly. He wants us to enjoy the pleasures and fruits of this world, as much as we can purely desire. Every life is worth living. Whether we make it so, is up to us. God didn't create the world so we could despise it. Everything good, points with all its might, to God. Eating is good. Work is good. Playing tag is good. (Provided no one gets hurt.)

So why do we shun these blessings and turn away from them? Stacking wood is not a chore, it's a race to finish before the one using the axe. Listening to our parents is not chafing, it's a sign of our love. Doing homework is not boring, it's a way to challenge yourself. Praying to God is not rattling off a bunch of words, it's a letter written in love.

See every day as a birthday present from God. Don't spurn His gift. He is the one who loves you infinitely. To love is to will the good of another. The truth and depth of His love should give us great joy. And through that joy, we can find happiness in all that we do.

God has the greatest adventure planned just for you, go out and seek it with all your might.

And when you do, live it joyfully and with a smile.