Yearning for happiness! Striving for happiness! What is happiness? I would say happiness is a feeling rather than a possession. People who have a strong sense of happiness often feel abundant and being well treated by others. On the contrary, those who have a weak sense of happiness always feel that they are needy and need others to fulfil their needs.

Gratefulness is Happiness

According to a study, people who know how to be grateful are less likely to have negative emotions such as jealousy and resentment. Not only their happiness index is high, but their quality of sleep and health also becomes better. Positive thinking is a fruit of gratefulness. It benefits our emotions and sustains our relationship with others. The Bible emphasizes the state of joy, a thankful heart is essential to become joyful. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18). The phrase "and God saw that it was good" appeared 6 times when God was creating the world. After creating human beings, God even exclaimed, "It was VERY GOOD." God demonstrated the first important attitude of life is to appreciate. The very first kind of emotion on earth is happiness. Parents should help their children develop the hearts of gratefulness in words and in actions. They should let their children give thanks, to appreciate, and to share. We need to receive and to give; to possess and to let go; to be loved and to love. Between hard work and rest, we can feel the deep joy of happiness. ‬‬‬

Life is beautiful

Viktor Frankl is a famous psychiatrist, a Holocaust survivor, and the author of the book Man's Search for Meaning. He wrote: "man's main concern is not to gain pleasure or to avoid pain but rather to see a meaning in his life." God has created the world so that mankind can be blessed, to accomplish the meaning and value of life.

Life is open and has many possibilities.

Life is like a path, filled with curves and detours.

Life is like a ship, sailing out into an ocean.

Life is like wonderland, full of dreams.

Life is like a game of chess, filled surprises

Life is even like a song, filled with beloved musical notes.

Praise God for keeping us in tune with Him!

God is Good

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth ...he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.... For in him we live and move and have our being."‭ (Acts‬17:24-28‬)‬‬‬

There's love between parents and children, husband and wife, among family members, and friends. Love on earth comes from the God who "has made everything beautiful in His time." (Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:11)‬‬‬

Man has to face challenges from both extremes in life, including: joy and sadness, gains and losses, gathering and separation, life and death, etc. All of these challenges are preceded by the grace of God.

One gives before taking back,

Possessing before losing,

Gathering together before separating.

Gratitude to God,

By His good grace,

We may walk with God.

We may overcome sin and be free.

Happiness is not equivalent to wealth. Yet the sense of happiness is proportional to your ability to enjoy all that you have, and to understand the value and to actualize the meaning of life. Inner fulfillment overrides external uncertainties.

Happiness is not THE reason to be thankful but being thankful will lead to happiness.