Subscribe

I look minutely at the life

I set out in search of the source of happiness.

of a happy person who is poor,

then talk with him, attempting to discover what makes this person happy.

I think of a joyful person in poor health, in physical pain,

and talk again, searching for what it is that makes her joyful.

I do the same with a happy person who has lost his reputation.

I walk into a prison

and am amazed to find a happy person even here.

She tells me what it is that makes her happy.

Then I observe unhappy people who are free

and wealthy, powerful, respectable.

I talk to them,

and as they talk to me

I listen carefully to their complaints.

Yesterday I had occasions to be happy that I wasn’t even conscious of.

I see them now.

It is inconceivable that anyone could be grateful and unhappy.

I thank the Lord for each event of yesterday and notice the effect this has on me.

And the things I call unpleasant, undesirable

—I search for the good that comes from these . . . the seeds for growth they carry . . .

and find reason to be grateful for them, too.

Finally I see myself

moving through each portion of today in gratitude

—and happiness.

and find reason to be grateful for them, too.

Finally I see myself

moving through each portion of today in gratitude

—and happiness.

Tags:
Ready for More?

Related Posts

Read more recent posts from Tony’s Blog.

View All