Gladness in the journey

Been spending some time reflecting lately about happiness.  Via Facebook I have been able to catch snapshots (pardon the pun) of my friends and their growing families; I'm in that stage of life where almost all of my friends are married and most with children.  I've been so grateful for this opportunity to have even a small glimpse into their lives because, let's face it, the days of hour-long phone conversations to catch up on life really don't happen anymore.  I've noticed that in these pictures and posts, blog submissions, and text messages that everyone looks so happy.

Now I know, you don't have to tell me, Facebook isn't life.  Our posts are usually the highlights (not usually the down points) of our moments and thus our "walls" reflect such.  This had me thinking...so many people spend their lives on a quest for happiness.  That moment where things are going well, you can exhale, and feel the glow of contentment because, well, nothing is wrong.  My friends, I'm here to say that I don't think that moment is real; it's fiction spun by authors who dream big.  Happiness isn't the destination, it's the journey, it's your whole life. 

This morning on my work, I decided to change my station to a worship station, so that I could spend some time with my Jesus before work chaos ensued.  I was brought to this scripture today, in thinking of my life and some of the crumby things that are happening:  Isaiah 61:3 "and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."


The oil of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair....

Happiness/joy for me, right now is....

My fiancee bringing me a brownie home from work
Clean laundry
Having an entire day to clean my apartment
Having a job (whether I love it or not, whether it's the position I desire or not)
Having food my refrigerator
Watching my little brother swim in the pool for 3 hours
Seeing my grandfather smile
Tight hugs
Family
Text messages from friends/family
A car that can get me from point a to point b
Pandora Radio
Coffee
Gilmore Girls on DVD
Jesus moments, like these, where I realize that I have all I need

Take a second to recount your days and find the happiness in your journey. :-)