My prayer and self goal for 2018 is to seek and welcome peace into my mind, heart, and soul in whatever form God wills. My goal for this series is to remember the epiphanies that brought me closer to the person I hope to be as a Christian, a human being, and a friend.
I haven't read as much in September, but I'm enjoying my time with The Book of Joy, a look at His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu's views of happiness while they spend time together and as told through the eyes of editor and writer Douglas Abrams. Throughout 2018, my goal has been to find peace in my life, but for many people, the purpose of life is to seek happiness.
The two are interrelated. When a person is happy, they are most likely at peace in that moment and with those around them. But whereas happiness is fleeting, peace is a state of mind that can be reaffirmed with prayer, meditation, and character. We aren't called to smile during a storm, but we can trust that all will be as it should once the rain passes.
I had moments of happiness, sadness, anger, and confusion throughout this year, but the happiness always takes center stage when I find peace in multiple areas of my life. When I'm upset, I'm more stressed; when I'm angry or confused, I cling to the past. Happiness is being truly present in the moment and allowing the goodness that this life can offer into your heart. Humans aren't designed to be cold-blooded, but this world transforms us so that we can tolerate it.
However, with enough peace individually, this cold tolerance wouldn't be necessary. It wasn't until the end of June that I smiled more than anything else. It wasn't until August when I compared where I was in February to then that I realized how many of my life goals were coming to fruition. My muscle definition had returned and then some after my surgery. I was purchasing a home. I was getting involved in the community. I stopped feeling anxious at the thought of going into work. Things had fallen into place and I hadn't realized until I stopped and counted all the blessings.
Being grateful is more than just making a list or celebrating a Thanksgiving tradition. Counting and accepting the good things God provides helps us to realize how much better we've become. You can't receive and keep blessings without remembering to give that goodness back to God and His people. The peace He provides is meant to turn into happiness for and with others. All things done in kindness and servitude are never forgotten.
I'm only in the beginning pages of The Book of Joy, but I'm excited for how it will alter my perspective on happiness and help me to better identify the peace I'm seeking and how to care for it so it becomes a part of my mindset.
It doesn't matter what our current goal is. For some, just finding happiness is enough. For others, they want to repair their anger like me or seek out alternatives like peace and forgiveness. Others need more compassion in their hearts or humility to combat their pride. Each of us needs something different for each stage in our life, but the true Christian life is remembering to live like Jesus, a man who embodied love, hope, charity, and sacrifice in every moment of His life through His Resurrection.
