The Problem with "Happy"

TITLE: Satori in Paris, by Irene Suchocki--"Satori" refers to a flash of sudden awareness.

In the short time that I have been a mom, I have read a few books/magazines/Web pages in which mothers explain what they most want for their children. The consensus is generally the same.

Moms want their kids to be happy.

You can see it in the commercials. You can watch it at the soccer games. You can hear it in the stores.

At first glance, I've found many of these mothers to be noble in their mission. That they would be accepting of their children regardless of whether they became Harvard grads or starving artists is impressive. It's certainly a world away from parents of previous generations who determined that their children would be lawyers or doctors or disowned.

But after careful thought, it is my persuasion that "happiness" is as incorrect a destination on the map of life as "rich" or "successful" or "impressive." Happiness, while it doesn't have the same undergrad prequisites that accompany a law degree, comes with its own set of challenges.

What if what makes me happy today doesn't make me happy tomorrow? What if what makes me happy isn't moral or Biblical? What if I can't figure out what makes me happy? What if what makes me happy hurts other people?

"Happy" sounds good, but "happy" is as reliable a roadmap as a broken compass in a raging sea.

Do I want my child to be happy? Sure I do. That I--at this fleeting stage in my son's life--can make his day with a balloon or a trip to the park is refreshing. I'm certainly not captain of the anti-happies. But more than happiness, I want my son to be content.

Here is the verse we are learning right now.

"But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content" (I Timothy 6:8 ESV).

If I can influence my son to choose contentment over happiness, I have given him a greater gift than any elaborate birthday party or shiny new toy or expensive college degree. Contentment means that he will accept with open arms whatever God brings into his life--whether he's a Harvard grad or a starving artist. It means--even as his tastes change or his mood fluctuates or his circumstances shift--he can find peace in the promises of God.

And if, as a by-product of that obedience, my son will be happy, it will be to me a bonus.

1 Hundred Photos. 1 Million Memories.

Speaking of photos, this one, entitled Trolley cars on Powell, by Raceytay is perfect. Love. 

And here is what I am going to work on tonight ...

Right now, Snapfish is offering 100 prints for about $6 (including shipping).

Since bringing Andrew home, I have been diligent about printing photos. On the backs, I write the name of each person in the photo, the place, the date, and a memory.

Time consuming? Somewhat. Purposeful memory making? Absolutely.

Here you go:

1. Upload 100 4x6 prints.
2. Redeem the coupon code: PRINTSFREE at checkout.
3. Watch your mailbox earnestly for sign of life.



Join me?

SPARK #13: (Autumn) List for Life

How appropriate. The free journal I ordered last week arrived today, on the day we celebrate journaling. I love how life works! (most of the time)

So this morning someone showed me her list entitled, "Autumn Wishes" in which she listed 47 items she wanted to experience during the fall. And so I took the challenge myself. In light of the recent announcement that cursive is on its way out, I wrote this post by hand.

SPARK #13: What would you include on YOUR autumn to-do list?

Feel free to LINK UP if you discuss today's SPARK on your blog.

A Life in Pictures: City Bumpkin

My son loves balloons. As in, loooooves ballons. When we arrived in the United States after 25 hours on an airplane, he was as happy as a bird with a French fry because someone was waiting in the lobby with balloons.

This past weekend, we took him to the park AND we gave him balloons. Could life BE any better?

Our annual pumpkin carving event was a success. This year we honored our beloved Detroit Tigers (who ended up going down in flames). Oh well. There's always next year.

 

And that's my life ... in pictures.

Cursive: R.I.P.

If you can read this lovely hand-stamped greeting card, by subtleacts, thank a teacher. (Isn't it cute?!)

As someone who primarily writes in cursive, this saddens me.

Goodbye, old friend.

Are We THERE Yet?

I would like to be sitting on this bench, featured in A New York Minute by Raceytay. Lovely!

I am a bit like a child at Christmas when I look at the calendar and think of everything that is going on ...

1. HouseHoncho.com is getting ready to undergo a major (fun!) change. I can't wait for you to see what it is! This afternoon I caught a glimpse of what the final version will look like and almost starting jumping on the couch. Stay tuned ...

2. FREEBIES galore are being given away via the House Honcho Facebook group. So far, I have been able to keep up with a-FREEBIE-a-day and am getting all sorts of ideas about future giveaways. (Speaking of which, I received my free canvas in the mail today and am super excited about it. If you haven't taken advantage of this offer, you really should consider it! Totally worth it, in my opinion.)

3. November is shaping up to be the best month in House Honcho history. I have been talking to home managers all over the Internet, brainstorming holiday traditions and decorations, meals and crafts. I am ridiculously excited about the plethora of projects I am going to introduce. Two weeks and counting, Friends ...

4. For those of you who loved the free journal offered in the Facebook group, you will be pleased to know that I just posted a similar offer--this time for a free photo book!

5. And just because we are having so much fun, here are 20 free 4x6 Kodak prints.

Have I mentioned I am excited?

Daring to Trust

Field of Poppies, by Raceytay. As far as the eye can see ...

Admittedly, my heart is heavy today.

This morning I learned that the city where my son lived prior to his adoption is six feet under water. There is flooding throughout the country. In the 2 weeks that my husband and I spent in Thailand, we fell in love with the people and places, sites and sounds. We had mixed emotions about leaving the country behind to return home.

This morning in Sunday School, I taught a great group of teenage girls the importance of trusting as opposed to worrying. And now the test of my sincerity falls into  my own lap. (Isn't that usually how it works?)

Problem: Sometimes worry is the easy and indulgent choice.

Response: The correct solution to worry is always trust in God.

Our trust in God cannot be linked to getting what we want when we want it. It must be linked to the wisdom of God and wanting what He wants in His time. He knows infinitely better than we do what is best for our lives.

And so, by choice, I trust.