Happiness

Dear Friends,

I collect quotes, and came across a couple of good ones recently that kind of go together. The first one is from Leslie Jordan, who died only recently. His multi-faceted career as an actor, comedian, writer, and singer was extolled after his passing; many said what a truly remarkable man he was. I have to admit that despite his fame, I am not overly familiar with his work. I do recognize his face, so I must have seen him somewhere, but I just have not watched the shows for which he is noted.
 

Anyway, here is what Leslie Jordan said: "Happiness is a choice. Happiness is a habit. And happiness is something you have to work hard at. It does not just happen."

And then, when I ran into another quote, this one from Henri Nouwen, a Catholic theologian, writer and spiritual guide, I thought that here is some solid advice on how happiness can become a choice and a habit.

Nouwen wrote this: "Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions."

The two quotes just go together in my book - thinking of happiness as a choice and habit, and then asking the right questions so that you can get to work in some productive ways to make it so.

Grace and Hope to you this week,

Pastor Duane