"I need him to make me happy," said a forlorn friend. Her despondency bothered me because I knew that if she needed a "him" to make her happy a "him" could also make her unhappy. Once the power to be happy rests with others we are at their whim. We are under the control of an outsider. I understand that there are trying times when the conditions of others can cause sadness or grief, but for the most part we need to seek joy not happiness. Happiness is a condition outside ourselves that depends on circumstances. Joy, however, is a spiritual connection with God that keeps us grounded in optimism and hope through the Word come what may. Joy is stronger than a feeling. It does not depend on validation, but it is not indifferent to others. Joy comes from a spiritual revelation that the Greater is within us, so strong, so loving that we have already won the battle, gained the desires of our hearts and can carry a healthy anticipation of "the better" even before it comes. Joy comes from carrying an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for the mountains or obstacles we have already climbed which have strengthed us to climb over even more treacherous landscape. Joy comes from understanding that while people may not be dependable, loyal or truthful, God is and we can build our hopes on that HIM ALONE.
One of the most life changing books I was even given the opportunity to proof read for the publisher I work for is called THE TRUTH "The Illumination of Conscience" I think it will be out for public purchase in July 2011 I was given the Author site by my company as www.thetruthbooksite.com It is definatly a must read book in 2011
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