MOH part 1
I don't know if I read this somewhere, or what but the term "Make others happy" somehow got stuck in my Spirit. We spend so much time focusing on happiness. "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." That's what America is supposed to be based on, right? Be alive, be free, be happy. Or at least be able to PURSUE being happy. And that's actually an important distinction. Because there's a big difference between being happy and pursuing happiness. But either way that idea of "happy" is right there. Front and center. Extremely important. So let's start at the beginning. Let's define the term. Dictionary.com defines "happy" as "delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing." And right there I see a pretty big problem. Because things come and go. So if our happiness is tied to a particular thing, it'll be an emotional roller coaster. Here today, gone tomorrow. Because things come and go. Nothing external ever lasts. That's why real, lasting change comes from the inside out. From knowing (and believing) that we have already changed. And just enjoying the ride as Jesus shows us the change that took place. As He reveals Himself to us, and through us, and in us, and as us. It's not about what you get. It's about what you give. Which is where my new acronym comes into play. MOH. Make Others Happy. I remember a time in my life when I did something for someone else. Something really big. Just about the biggest thing I could do at the time. And I did it without expectation. I did it not expecting anything in return. But guess what I got in return. I got to experience happiness. Because what I gave made the people I gave it to EXTREMELY happy. I got hugged just about harder than I'd ever been hugged before. I got to be a part of something. I was unbelievably happy... because I made others happy. I always say the best way to experience love is to love others. So, following that logic, the best way to make yourself happy is to make others happy. THAT'S the particular thing to delight over. Other people. Remember I said THINGS come and go? Well, people come and go too. But people are important. People are worth it. And think about this: An act of kindness might not change the world. But it can certainly change that person's world. And you never know, it MIGHT change the world. Because you put something positive out there. You made a difference. Now that person that you affected in a positive way might go out and do something spectacular. You made someone happy. And chances are it'll snowball. Because that's what love does; it feeds on itself. God is love, right? And God is a consuming fire, right? So love is a consuming fire. It consumes everything that's not itself and it grows and grows and grows. What was the movie called? Pay it Forward? I didn't see the movie but the idea is a good one. Even the stories you hear about people ordering at McDonald's and finding the person in front of them paid for their meal. Little things. My sister has a sign that says, "Do small things with great love." That's it, man. Pursue happiness... by making others happy. Experience love... by loving others. You have a gift. You ARE a gift. Share it. Receive it and release it. One more quote to finish off today's Rant: Good people are everywhere. If you can't find one... be one!