Friday, November 14, 2008

Today, I found the doorway to happiness. Ponder that thought for a moment. Still think it doesn't exist? I am here to tell you it does. 

I was walking on campus through the gardens while talking to my sister. There used to be this little porch swing and I thought it would be a beautiful place to study. When I arrived, the swing was no longer there. Having only seen this little spot in the darkness, I had not noticed the sign above the door. It read, "While in the pursuit of happiness, one should stop and just be happy." 

Have you ever thought of it that way? In the Constitution, we have the right to the pursuit of happiness but it does not say, "Every American will be happy!" The joyous lesson this simple phrase teaches is "happiness is a decision." Happiness is not a job title. Happiness is not an age. Happiness is not a social status or a marital status. Happiness is not how much money is in my bank account. Rather, happiness is choosing to be happy through "feast or famine." It is choosing to recognize and acknowledge the grace of God in all things. 

This week has been full of life lessons and epiphanies. Sometimes in life, I have stressed and worried over...nothing at all. The truth is, the worry never changed the outcome. Mark Twain once said, "I have suffered many things, most of which were merely in my mind." This seems to be engrained in the human condition. 

Part of being a college student is making decisions. I have to make decisions about where I will live, what job I will take, who to date and marry, and many more life altering choices. I could waste my life away worrying about the next big thing or I can choose to be happy. The true doorway to happiness is learning to make this decision and trust in the Lord's plan. As for me, I choose to be happy and rejoice in the miracles around me.

I love this photograph for many reasons. I love the background. I love the light is brighter on the other side of the doorway. It seems as if the door truly leads to a magical place. The light gives great imagery and symbolism.