true happiness

Are you happy?  I mean really happy?

And what would bring you happiness?

On Sunday morning, November 28th I am going to talk about this.

What would truly, absolutely make you happy?

Come that day and I will tell you what will.

Here's what I know - I know what will not ultimately make us happy.  More things.

John Ortberg writes:

"When you buy your kid a Happy Meal, you're not just buying fries, McNuggets, and a toy; you're buying happiness. Their advertisements have convinced my children they have a little McDonald-shaped vacuum in their souls: "Our hearts are restless till they find their rest in a Happy Meal."

The problem with the Happy Meal is that the happy wears off, and they need a new fix. No child discovers lasting happiness in just one: "Remember that Happy Meal? What great joy I found there!"

Happy Meals bring happiness only to McDonalds. You ever wonder why Ronald McDonald wears that grin? Twenty billion Happy Meals, that's why."

Ortberg finishes this idea by saying, "When you get older, you don't get any smarter; your happy meals just get more expensive."

What's the last Happy Meal you bought for yourself? A car? Some clothes? A house? A spouse? How long did it last? No matter how hard we try, or how much we spend, as long as we live with a happy meal mentality, happiness will elude us.

Ortberg paraphrased a familiar quote by St. Augustine: "Our hearts are restless till they find rest in thee." Or as David said it, "My soul finds rest in God alone..." (Psalm 62:1)

Take a moment today to think about your next Happy Meal. Instead of pursuing one more thing, one more possession, one more acquisition - instead of striving for bigger numbers or better money or more praise directed your way  - spend a few minutes alone with the God who loves you, and let his presence in your life satisfy you (that's a hint as to what I will share a week from Sunday).

Isaiah 55:2 tells us, "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare."