Happiness... Today!

Ecclesiastes 6:9 says, "Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire."  It's important to have goals and "Ponder the path of thy feet and let all thy ways be established" as Proverbs 4:26 says, but it's also important to enjoy today and what you have and see now.  

What good would it be on a hot summer day if we sat roasting in the sunshine thinking of how wonderful it would be to someday be a millionaire, have a built-in swimming pool in the back yard, a maid to bring us cool (freshly imported Parisian) lemonade, and a servant to hold our parasols and fan us.  Chances are that this "wandering of the desire" would end in a horrific sunburn.  

I think most of us would agree it would be better to squeeze a couple lemons and make lemonade, and go swimming in the nearest lake or river (nevermind the leaches), or a 15'x36" swimming pool from Walmart.  

The sight of our eyes is usually not perfect and often a lot of work, but the key is to enjoy it!  Riches and fame don't bring happiness; only God can give true happiness.  The Apostle Paul said, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."  That doesn't mean he did not work to improve his circumstances, it means he was content no matter the situation.  An unhappy and pessimistic person will remain miserable in the brightest of circumstances, but a person who is filled with the joy of the Lord will be able to persevere in the worst of circumstances.

Appreciate the good things, dear people, and happy moments you have today.  Peace, love, and joy can bring you more happiness than wealth and acclaim. As Walt Whitman said, we must have "Happiness, not in another place but this place...not in another hour but this hour."