Lessons Learned on the Journey

She was much too happy. The cashier at a local convenience store greeted everyone so cheerfully as she performed her duties. "Are you always this happy?" I asked approaching the cash register. "Of course," she replied, "I only have so many days to live and I don't want to waste any of them on unhappiness."

Society encourages us to pursue happiness. Many commercials on television present a "slant" on what will bring us happiness -- from a luxury car to a total personal make over. The product or process usually has to do with self-gratification, self-esteem and proper self-reliance. In fact, the US Declaration of Independence declares that we have the right to the pursuit of happiness.

Certainly a happy moment, a happy day, a grand event is a great treat. A good laugh and a bright spirit produce energy and fun. Who would criticize a great time together with happy people? But happiness tied to this material world has its limits.

Rather, a blessed happiness (or joy deep within) is promised as a by-product to those who develop the traits described in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12):

		Humility as demonstrated by our poverty of spirit - our complete inadequacy before a righteous God, our mourning over our sinfulness and a meekness with increased awareness of sin. Thank goodness that God's mercy and grace through Jesus have resolved this inadequacy.
		Hunger and thirst for righteousness that is demonstrated in our passion to be like Jesus in goodness and righteousness
		Heart attitudes of mercy, purity, peacemaking and contentment in persecution

This joy which God offers to us resulting from these character traits is long-lasting and complete. The world's happiness is often short and its satisfaction shallow. Join me this week in pursuing heavenly joy!

"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy," (Psalm 30:11