ARE WE HAPPY, REALLY? by Joyce C Lock
Are we getting just old enough (and on so many medications)
That we don't realize how down right irritable we can be?
Or, have we not realized just how unhappy we really are?
Upon first entering the workforce, I was in shock, and
sometimes thoroughly angered, to discover the authoritarian,
legalistic, generation of adults who (had controlled our every
thought and being) didn't even have their own act together!
Only then, these adults were deacons, Sunday School teachers,
and the like ... with a different code of ethics in the
workplace. Evidently, all that lust and greed wasn’t the answer,
because they still aren't truly happy.
Now, my youngest is 19, with her first experience in the
workforce, and she thoroughly loathes her job ... not because of
employers or even co-workers, but the customers. It isn't just
an occasional cranky old biddy. As she says, "Mom, it's all of
them!"
Customers make the same purchases, over and over, with the
same gripes. She's in the food business. So, there is
pre-knowledge that food will taste the same, be wrapped the same
way, customers will be charged the same ... every time. My
daughter questions, "If they really don't like our product, why
don't they go somewhere else?"
Evidently, customers do like the product, as this store is a
multi-million dollar business. Though, multitudes do appear
unhappy, as retailers well know. Maybe we can keep it all neatly
tucked, take it out on clerks and waitresses, none the wiser.
Now, that's a plan!
Why don't we just admit it? "I am not happy. My life
sucks! There isn't a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
There is no outside source or circumstance that will bring long
term happiness." (Happiness is not a position, situation, or
standing that we or anyone else can create. It comes from
within.)
Maybe, then, we would face the truth. Our methods don't
work. Not even religion brings lasting happiness. Only God can
bring the kind of peace that passes all circumstances. And, to
find it, perhaps we could begin considering He really does have
the answers!
Š 2003 by Joyce C. Lock
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your
pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and
turn again and rend you. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek,
and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For
every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and
to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Matthew 7:6-8
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About the Author:
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist.
In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries
"Heavenly Inspirations"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and
"Share a Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/ .
Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and
each other.
More articles on CHRISTIANITY
Things Not to Believe
Are We Happy, Really?
What a Gift
The Words of King Lemuel
Are You Tired, Yet?
A Scriptural 'How to' for Writing
Bless the Children
Counting Them Happy
Come Home
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