The Happiness of Pursuit

Many of us long ago attended some class in civics or American government and learned that Thomas Jefferson penned a statement in the Declaration of Independence which has since become famous. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Note that this document does not guarantee to this country’s citizens their personal happiness, but only recognizes that we have the right to pursue it.

Many people have geared their whole life toward attaining happiness. It is elusive, particularly when that is what a person is seeking. It tends, rather than the end of one’s search, to be the by-product of some other mind-set. It follows after purpose, creativity, self-giving, achievement, and similar outgoing activities.

The other day I came across a book titled, The Happiness of Pursuit. Ah, I thought, that is it. Instead of a search centered on one’s own satisfaction, happiness comes to us while we pursue a better goal. While there are numerous things the Bible tells us to seek, it specifically mentions one goal worthy of our pursuit. “Seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14, and quoted by the apostle in I Peter 3:11)

If we would be happy, it’s the journey that counts!

MaryMartha

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Art from http://www.sxc.hu/