A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.
(Picture by Lisa R.)

I was given an interesting challenge today. It all started with a conversation about getting into college, or more appropriately getting into a “good” college.  My coworker was talking about her daughter’s increasing hard school work. Her daughter normally gets amazing grades, but now she is enrolled in a school that is both high school and college and thus the work load is harder. During the conversation this statement was said, “Have you ever seen a happy poor person? If so, bring them so I can see them.” Gauntlet thrown. Two things came to mind, after the statement. 1.) Who decided that all rich people are happy? 2.) Is money really the only thing that makes a person happy?  Here’s the thing I know lots of people who are poor by societies standards, who happen to be very happy. Why? They found a treasure that is greater and more precious than just earthly riches. They found an EVERLASTING hope. When did we decided that the only way to be happy was not to be poor? Better yet what defines poor? Lack of funds, lack of the latest fad? Each person has his/her own definition and thus even the richest of persons can have areas in which they feel poor. Here’s what I have been learning. Our joy and happiness should and can never be dependent on tangible things. Because they don’t last. It can be here today and gone tomorrow. Our happiness should come from something that does not fade, does not disappear. Our joy and happiness should be found in the love of God. Does that mean we won’t have bad days? No. it simply means that even in the hard times we have hope that does not fade. Hope that allows us to find joy, even in the midst of trials. A joy that causes us to be happy, even if we’re poor.

“Happy is the man who has faith in the Lord, and does not give honor to the men of pride or to those who are turned away to deceit” (Psalm 40: 4).

So what’s my plan of attack? Find my joy and happiness in the unfailing love of God.