Happiness Is An Attitude Not A Choice

Wendell Ward

Attitude is defined in part as a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state. Attitudes can be classified as positive or negative, good or bad. An attitude can determine the course of one’s life, whether it is a success or failure.

The apostle Paul’s attitude is worthy of emulation. He says, “Rejoice in the Lord always,” and “I have learned in whatever state I am, therewith to be content,” (Philippians 4:4 & 11b

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married and have children. Then, we are frustrated that the children are young, and we will be content when they are older. After that, we are frustrated because we have teenagers to deal with. We will be happy when they are out on their own.

We tell ourselves that life will be complete when we get a new car, and are able to go on a nice vacation. We will really be happy when we are able to retire.

Get real friend! There is no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Life will always be filled with challenges. There will always be some obstacle in the way, something to go through first, some unfinished business, or debt to be paid before life really begins. These things are life. It is best to admit this and decide to be happy anyway. That is what Paul did.

Reality is that there is no way “to” happiness. Happiness “is the way!” We must learn to treasure every moment we have. Time is a precious commodity that waits for no one. Stop waiting until you finish school, or have children. Do not wait until you lose ten pounds or gain ten pounds to be happy. Quit waiting until summer or until fall. Decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination!

Be thankful for each new day of life. Today stretches ahead of us waiting to be shaped. We are the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What our day will be like is up to us. We can choose what kind of day we will have.

This day, choose to “fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man,” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). “This is the day the Lord hath made; rejoice and be glad in it,” (Psalms 117:24).

You have a good day now, you hear!