Come On, Get Happy

"So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. All of us should eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for. It is God's gift." ~ Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

I was a Girl Scout for most of my young life. I enjoyed every minute. We went camping, explored the beach, had lock-ins at the science museum. It was great. Our troop leaders were always coming up with new things to try and we were always up for the experience.

One Christmas morning, my troop leaders took us to the local soup kitchen to help feed the homeless and hungry in our city. It was my first time getting up close and personal with someone who lived on the streets. Everyone we served was really nice. They laughed and sang with us, and thanked us for the hot meal. It was a really beautiful way to spend Christmas.

My family and I had opened gifts prior to my going to the soup kitchen. When I returned home, however, I had a hard time enjoying any of them. My thoughts kept wandering back to the people I had met earlier and how they had little to nothing. Why should I indulge and be so blessed while they were not? My mother shared with me a piece of wisdom I have never forgotten: God gives each of us gifts and blessings, and we do him a great disservice when we don't enjoy those things. He doesn't give the same to everyone. What I consider a blessing may not be seen as the same by someone else. The greatest blessing of all is faith in and love for the Lord.

Jesus came so that we may have an abundant life. We are meant to enjoy it! There will be highs and lows but God will be with us through them all. We work hard to have a good life, however that looks for us, and we need to thank the Lord for what we have by enjoying it.

Lord, I am grateful for my life and all that it contains. Help me to remember those less fortunate in my prayers and actions. Give me the grace to appreciate everything I have, knowing it comes from you. Amen.

Having fun with my parents and the Grinch!