When I first read this I thought it rather a comical approach to the matter of happiness. As I reflect upon it I still think it comical and at my age why not. My memory is like food strainer. Many of my cherished memories have been straining out. Of course, many of my bad memories have also and I don’t miss them. I am sixty-five years old when I look back on my life I relish in the good memories. They are treasures to me. For some of you younger folks I will quote Albert Schweitzer who said this:
“I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.”
I have written poems on this subject based on another quote. This one came from Jesus Christ. He said, “It is better to give than to receive.” I have found more happiness in the look in the eyes of my wife or child when I give a present for Christmas, a birthday, Anniversary or just because I wanted to.
Albert Schweitzer had another quote that I can identify with.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
I agree whole-heartedly. When I was young I pursued a career in radio. I followed this for many years but got a little impatient and pursued another career which I did not enjoy as much but it offered more money faster and I had a wife and kids so I followed it. I should have stayed in radio. I guess that leads me to the next quote. This one from Author: A.W. Tozer.
“God may allow His servant to succeed when He has disciplined him to a point where he does not need to succeed to be happy. The man who is elated by success and is cast down by failure is still a carnal man. At best his fruit will have a worm in it.”
I will let that speak for it. I may never have gotten rich as a radio announcer and salesman but I loved doing it. I had a passion for it. Selling insurance just was not my passion.
This next quote comes from an unknown author but it does explain to me the value of worshiping God with others.
“When large numbers of people share their joy in common, the happiness of each is greater because each adds fuel to the other's flame.”
Happiness is like that and so is faith which brings me to another quote. The reason is that faith and happiness are brother and sister.
“Give me the love that leads the way, the faith that nothing can dismay, the hope no disappointments tire, the passion that will burn like fire, Let me not sink to be a clod: Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.”
- Amy Carmichael
I ask you, does that sound like the key to happiness?
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