[kuhn-tent]
–adjective
1. satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.
Proverbs 19:23
New International Version (NIV)
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
After months of vacation, we welcomed Jessie Prince back to The Grind - he was missed dearly (mostly by me). The young pastor came out swinging with this weeks' lesson: Simple Secrets of Happy People.
We went over 4 points:
- Happy people are content with what they have
- Happy people do not harshly criticize family and friends
- Happy people laugh
- Happy people do not deflect their pain
The above list is an over-simplification of the discussion in class. Many truths were exposed in a short amount of time. It made me reflect on the joys of my life.
We had small group discussions then some "show and tell" sharing with the class. What really took me back was the frame of mind I've been in for so long. Those that know Nelly and me can tell you about some pretty rough personal times. Through it all, we have always been able to laugh. For the most part, I'm a happy guy. I find joy in VERY simple things. For a moment, I thought this was because I'm a simple man. That still may be true...BUT...I think my personal trials have changed my perception. I find joy in little things - music, dancing, close friends/relationships, dancing...
Others shared really deep thoughts around "what brings us joy." Some ideas mentioned were paying off debt, helping others, giving all that you have to a just cause. My list consisted of shuffling.
The truth is I'm here, Nelly is alive, and our kids are healthy. We weren't always sure about any of that. We have been through some painful times; we have faced it head-on and we continue to overcome the odds. He heals the brokenhearted and binds their wounds -PSA 147:3. That allows me to laugh and be generally ridiculous. I am content with my wife and children - the rest is gravy.
NEH 8:10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Praying that you seek and find your peace today.
I was helping in the nursery during this time, so I was not able to make it. However, I am thankful for this blog because I can read up on what I've missed. I really enjoyed reading this because I have a tendency to let little things get to me; I have seen first hand how it can affect not only myself, but those around me. I love the moments when God helps me sit back and just look at all I have, and especially when I hear other stories all I can think is how dare I allow something simple as my son having an off day versus what they are going through. When I am able to truly get myself into the right mindset, all those things that were getting to me go away and I am much happier, and so are those around me :)
ReplyDeleteLaughter is food for the soul. My family and I have been through so much these past few years. It has gotten easier to just joke and laugh about it. I now appreciate the smaller things in life. When I first started taking all my medication I use to complain about it everyday. Now I think back on how selfish I was. While other people don't have the choice and have to endure tougher things here I was complaining. I know now to just dance like no one is watching.
ReplyDeleteIf your Happy and you know it...
ReplyDeleteNext week I am going to show a video clip that I like to watch when I need a laugh!