The Pursuit of Happiness

Somewhere in time, July 4^th 1776, these word were written:  “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.—“ The American Declaration of Independence.

As America celebrates its Independence Day, I was thinking about the pursuit of happiness.  I know when the founders were forging this new country; they were trying to create a place where people could follow their dreams.  They didn’t want society to define them. With determination and hard work you could accomplish anything. They had good intentions and they gave this country a great start.  I believe that now, we are a little caught up in the pursuit of happiness.

Pursuing happiness should not consume our lives.  With me, I tend to focus on my next goal.  When I get there, I don’t take time to celebrate. I instead focus on the next goal.  I spend so much time in the pursuit of happiness; I don’t have time to enjoy the happiness I find. 

God slows me down to teach me lessons.  He has taught me I really need to know the similarities between happiness and contentment?  Happiness is a feeling of well-being or contentment.  Contentment is being satisfied with what we have. So contentment is rooted in happiness. I believe both are a choice, but contentment is not dependent upon anything.  If the apostle Paul could be contented while under house arrest in Rome, I can be contented waiting for a book to publish. Contentment is a choice and state of mind.  It’s having full confidence in the belief that God is in control and we don’t have to worry.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing with those we shall be content.”