Counting the blessings and making the happiness connection

I wanted to take a moment to say Happy New Year!  I know we are 27 days into this year but I thought it would be a good time to stop and reflect on how happy are you.  I know.  You are happy to finally be back in your home after the Great Flood of 2016.  Congrats!  “There’s no place like home.”

Please take a moment to reflect that there are still many who have not returned to their homes and many, for various reasons, did not have a home before the flood.  We take a lot for granted.

You could be happy because, thus far, you have stuck to your goals for this year. Of course, everyone knows it takes 21-30 days to make a habit. Congrats! Remember this is not a sprint but a continual marathon that is run day by day.  We are often frustrated because the results we crave do not come fast enough. We tire and give up. WE see only the obstacles and not the rewards. You must stay focused on your goal(s) and not give up.

You might be happy because the holidays are over. They do not hold much meaning for you any more or they never did. You don’t see the meaning or purpose. They are just part of the days that add up to a year. They give an excuse to eat, drink and be merry. Then return to our mundane routines. Oh, life is grand!

It’s a new beginning. The old is gone and the new has come. The problem: nothing has really changed this year. The cloud that was over your head just followed you to 2017. The problems haven’t gotten better they have intensified. The relationship has soured. This is the hardest semester yet in school. Your health continues to fail.

If I can, I want to take you back to last year and take a look at your ABC’s. Your Attitude (what you think) leads to your Behavior (what you do) that leads to Consequences (results from behavior). If you work your ABC’s daily, you will be happy. You see you control what you think and how you behave.  There’s no doubt that the best type of control is self-control. This self-control allows you to deny yourself which brings you happiness.  Say what!  That’s right.  Listen.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the Sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:3-12

A loose translation of the word “blessed” is happy.  So, as you read this passage again plug in happy.  Are you really happy?  Happy New Year!