“Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard, if you but dig for them.” -Russell H. Conwell
I once heard the story of a man who walked into a travel agency and requested information for a cruise. “Where to?” he was asked. “I’m not really sure,” was his reply. The agent handed him a map of the world and proceeded to unfold it front of him. The customer took a good look at the map examining it from a number of angles. Finally, with a look of frustration, he looked up at the agent and exclaimed, “Is this all you have to offer?”
I often fear too many of our lives resemble this interaction. We search for happiness, fulfillment, and meaning. But we have seen this world and culture from all different angles. We have seen what it has to offer. And have found it is not enough to fully satisfy. We have searched for happiness in a number of its greatest offerings and have found most of them lacking – or at the very least, fleeting.
- We have searched for happiness in a bigger paycheck… only to discover we immediately desired an even bigger one.
- We have searched for happiness in a job promotion or recognition… only to discover the accolades don’t last.
- We have searched for happiness in bigger homes… only to discover they are accompanied by burdensome mortgage payments.
- We have searched for happiness in fancier cars… only to discover they get scratches and dings just like the others.
- We have searched for happiness in alcohol and drugs and sex… only to discover the pleasure has disappeared by morning.
- We have searched for happiness in large savings accounts… only to discover money can’t solve all our problems.
- We have searched for happiness in the pursuit of our dreams… only to discover there are just more dreams on the other side.
Eventually, like Solomon in the Bible, we discover we’ve only been chasing the wind. We realize lasting happiness can’t be found in any of these things. And we are left with this simple, nagging question in the back of our mind, “Is this all that the world has to offer?”
Surely, lasting happiness and fulfillment can be found somewhere. There is something deep inside telling us that pursuing happiness is not an entirely futile endeavor. We just need to start looking in the right places.
Lasting happiness is found in faith, love, and relationships. It can be discovered in character, integrity, and service towards others. And the sooner we discover true fulfillment is only found in giving our lives to another, the sooner we can stop chasing happiness in the wind.
Cliff says
So true. I remember discussing this very topic with my wife shortly before she died. Our conclusion? The only thing that matters in life is relationships: with God, and with others. Thirteen years later I am more convinced than ever. Thanks Josh.
P.S.: Thanks Liz: your comments also struck a chord. :-)
Frank @ My Balanced Sheet says
I think that as a society, we are becoming less and less content with what we have, even though we probably have more and more. It seems ridiculous to me that people don’t stop, look at their families, their possessions and their health and realize how lucky they are and where they are.
Hapiness is the ultimate destination. Unfortunately, too many people are taking the wrong path to arive.
Liz says
I have spent the last year of my life moving stuff, selling stuff, packing stuff, touching stuff, making decisions about stuff, giving stuff away.
My father died in 2006, my mother in 2011. All the stuff of their lives – bedroom sets, living room and kitchen furniture, blankets, sheets, towels, radios, TVs, books, bookshelves, baskets, jewelery, clothing, knickknacks galore, tools, trashcans – all the stuff collected in their lifetimes – is now in other people’s homes.
And I wonder – is this what it all comes down to? Stuff?
Is this the legacy I want to leave my children? My stuff?
No, I want to leave something more meaningful than furniture and jewelry. I hope to leave behind an example of a woman who, while far from perfect, learned to trust God in all the details of life. The memory of the mom who loved them far more than they’ll ever realize.
Cory says
Liz..
I have been there too…. and I asked the same questions… I do NOT want my children to go through this…. I sat down with my 15 year old son and showed him all about my life, yearbooks … team photos and a thousand other cool things I have done; I showed him all the accumulated possessions that we keep to remind us of our triumphs. Then he watched as I through all of the stuff into the trash…….
All we can do is pass on our strength of character to our children by setting a good example.
Hoxara says
Powerful lesson for him…..
Nkws says
I quoted your post on my blog, it was a very nice read.
Elaine says
I loved this post. I don’t think I’ve ever been here before:)
Kathleen @ Frugal Portland says
This is why I have small, but hard-to-reach, goals.
Renata says
A great post. Well said!
Freedom | Rethinking the Dream says
I’d like to add a few thoughts on where I find happiness.
1) Choosing to be happy. We have more power over our emotions and feelings that many people realize. Simply deciding how we want to view the things in our life can make a big difference.
2) Change. I think there is something in human nature that craves change. We fear change, yet at the same time, we desire it. It’s difficult to remain stationary in life, and also stay happy. I tend to be happiest when I’m working on improving aspects of my life, and with all these aspects, change is the key component.
3) Love. Loving myself and loving others. Humans typically crave some form of interaction with others. When we can created these interactions in a loving manner, and with people we love, happiness is sure to abound.
Tami says
Amen!
Brett says
Very cool!! This pretty much sums it up.
\m/(-_-)\m/