Ok so black Friday is crazy. And as a server I see a lot of things but you know what I see the most around this time of year? Unhappiness. Grumpy, grouchy, frown-faced people with their bags of stuff and an extensive lack of a holiday cheer.
I think most people can say they've been (or are) "unhappy" at some point in their lives-- probably even at some point this month. Despite the fact that we have a roof over our head, a car, a job, food on the table (the basic needs met in our lives) we want more.
We want better cars, homes and stuff. We feel a need to upgrade our lives. Computers, cell phones, Ipods, televisions, money--we want the latest and greatest of life’s stuff. Without notice something can happen within us, unhappiness can sneak in quickly. These items tend to take on a role that they can fulfill some longing within us. If I just had [fill in your blank] I'd be so happy. For me, my wants are not 'stuff' instead; it's a want for my future to be figured out. As if having it all together will bring some sort of eternal happiness.
Even with all the wonderful things I'm blessed with unhappiness can settle its ugly little self in my heart and start to get comfortable. Making itself at home, it puts its feet up on my furniture eating popcorn while it watches Oprah. When this happens, kicking it out becomes more and more difficult.
Unhappiness begins to transform when it starts to inhabit who we are. Bitterness, blame and resentment rear their unsightly heads before long. From there, it spreads like a wild fire and will undoubtedly burn the important people in your life. Unhappiness breeds the insecurity that maybe others are the source of why you feel this way. This ripple effect that comes with a lull of unhappiness is not worth the drama it begins to cause.
The overcoming-- finding the truth even in unhappy times--about your life and who you are, is ultimately what brings resolve. Discover yourself. Instead of looking around you or forward to find joy, look in the mirror. Contentment and satisfaction comes from knowing yourself confidently. God created you to be exactly who you are with purpose. It wasn't a fluke thing and he certainly doesn't want you to be unhappy.
Happiness isn't a fleeting moment sort of deal. It's a choice. It’s a choice to live in the misery of whatever you've decided sucks about your life, or to love and enjoy all of the blessings that are abounding in it. Find satisfaction knowing you are worth so much more than 'stuff'. Reality isn't easy to face, sometimes it's easier just to put our happiness in stuff but it's real life that truly cultivates joy. Without life, well.. you're dead. Happiness is a one day at a time decision to put a smile on your face and be alive. Fully immerse yourself in the simple joys of life today. Don't let unhappiness make a mess of your heart.
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