Some people, in more cynical moments, may question the sincerity of telling someone to “have a nice day.”
One lady was overheard saying to someone who told her to have a nice day, “I have other plans.”
Still, it is safe to say almost everybody wants to be happy. That is one of the principles on which our country was founded. We are guaranteed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Remember, we are not guaranteed happiness; we are guaranteed the pursuit of happiness.
Various avenues may be taken to pursue happiness — manufacturers and inventors assure us of that.
There are items like televisions, radios, computers, tablets, fancy watches and books. There are restaurants, movie theaters, concert halls, sports arenas, vacation hot spots and cruise lines.
The list is practically endless.
Still, the happiness these things bring are — at best — temporary. While we are engaged in them we are happy. But when the novelty wears off, we need another shot of “something” that will make us feel happy again.
What many actually seek in life is joy, which changes us deep within and affects us, inside out. Joy changes our core values, the way we look at the world and what is happening around us or to us, and it changes how we filter our perception of life.
The apostle Paul says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
When the joy of the Lord fills our hearts, we no longer let the meaning of life be defined by the culture around us, nor the expectations of extended families, nor the size of the raise we get — or don’t get — at work.
From the moment we receive the joy of the Lord into our hearts, the dominant reality in our existence becomes the kingdom of God. And God's blessings come to all who make a place for this kingdom in their lives.
My recommendation to you is this: seek joy more than you do happiness. Joy is long-lasting and fills you to overflowing so you can enjoy happy times all that much more — without the constant drive to feel happy.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview's pastor.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Seek joy before happiness