In 2010, hapiness is ...

My friend Marybeth wants a new post, an inspiring New Year's sort of post. And what kind of friend would I be if I didn't try to oblige?

So here it goes, MB.

Ben Franklin said, "The Constitution only guarantees American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself."

Ever notice that? Life and liberty are fully granted by the U.S. Constitution but the wise authors of this document knew that happiness can't be granted. It has to be found. Or developed. Or maybe carved out.

I am quite sure it has to be nurtured if you want it to last.

What exactly is happiness - ever thought about that? We recognize it when we feel it, but in the lulls between those warm, fuzzy feelings, can we define it? I don't mean define it like Webster would, but define it for us individually. Because I'm thinking we don't always feel it when it comes around. I'm thinking we sometimes miss it ... Even better, can we define it as Christ might if He were to hop on blogger here and post a comment to this question.

So what is your happy?

And for that matter, what can you do to catch it? Or create it? Or position yourself to receive it?

How can you start your day differently in 2010 to catch more happiness?

How can you approach your work and responsibilities differently in 2010 to catch more happiness?

How can you set up your environment differently in 2010 to inspire more happiness?

How can you react to interruptions or distractions to preserve more happiness?

How can you complete your days in 2010 to catch more happiness?

I can't answer those questions for you, but this much I know: If you define your happy in terms of your circumstances - like having a big, clean house, or a big, cushy income, or a hassle-free day - you'll probably experience less happiness than if you define it more simply. More organically. And that's not just because most people will never have a big, cushy income, a totally clean MacMansion, and a hassle free day all at the same time.

Listen to this key to happiness from the author of Hebrews 13:5: "Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.'”

And this one from Psalm 16:11: "You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever."

Or consider this from Ecclesiastes 8:15, "So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun."

So give it some thought. "What's your happy?"

And if you give this a lot of thought and decide to really embrace this notion of defining and catching your happiness - which I plan to do in 2010 - I really hope you'll share your answers, process or outcome here. Because we can all use a little more happiness ... and a little instruction or inspiration for catching it. Right, Marybeth?

Thanking God for the chance to puruse happiness in 2010.