I remember talking to an Air Force Officer one day telling him, "Sir, do you know that you can be happy even in the most desolate place?"
He stared at me, and with a combined
look of curiosity and confusion, turned his back from me and went back to his
cubicle.
Along with other military officers,
subject officer was one among those who were accused of committing treason and
rebellion against the government. Consequently, they have to be restrained and
detained in a military camp and suffer the boredom of confinement while
awaiting series of Court Martial proceedings.
Incidentally, a team of comrades and I
were assigned to that detention cell to render security for both of these
detainees and in favor of the government, as well.
To my utter surprise, the Officer went
back to my place, gave me a hardbound book as a token, and a very cordial and
meaningful conversation began.
You may or may not be in a desolate
place or situation right now. I don't know but, can I make a friendly
suggestion? Would you please allow the next 24 hours of your life stunningly
different from your previous hours, days, and years regardless of whatever
situation you are in?
Because if you again let this day past without savoring its inherent gift, it would probably be like those ordinary days filled with its exhausting routines and mundane tasks inevitably dominated by tedious labour and toil, not withstanding, of course, the seemingly insurmountable burdens of life. And what a waste of time, strength, and energy this will create, if such would be a perpetual cycle of experience in anyone's life.
By this time, some maybe asking,
"But Ed, do you know what I am going through right now? You seem to be
saying that I must be happy in spite of my condition. Are you pretty sure aware
of my current situation?”
Honestly, I don't want you to be
unrealistic about life's events, because life really does not promise a
constant 'bed of roses' experiences. The scripture itself even say, "Many
are the afflictions of the righteous..." - (Ps. 34:19). Look, even the
righteous doesn't guarantee to get protection or spared from trials. That's the
fact about life.
How then, are we going to get the most
out of this day in spite of its accompanying ebb and flow of laughter &
tears, joy & sadness, and the smooth & tough sailing in life?
If you try to ask people of this specific question: "When are you going to be really really happy?" The following answers would be among the list:
- When
I get out of this mess.
- When
I get my dream job, my dream house, my dream car, or my dream wife.
- When
my salary increases.
- When
my business does not fail but booms.
- When
this shenanigan co-worker gets fired.
- When
this overbearing supervisor gets transferred.
- When
my son or daughter graduates from College.
- When
all my debts are paid.
- et
cetera...
Though the above answers are
understandably valid reasons as to when to be happy, waiting for such condition
to happen would destroy the value, significance, and essence of the preceding
days prior to the occurrence of your desired dream or destination. And those
days are loaded with gifts capable of increasing you personally, emotionally,
physically, mentally, and so forth. Why not enjoy the path and the journey too,
as well as the destination?
One renowned personality wisely observed, "There is no better time to be happy than right now. Tomorrow might be late, for tomorrow is never guaranteed."
Yes, tomorrow's security is never
guaranteed... enjoy while you can 'NOW,' ... and you can choose to be happy!
Absolutely, yes you can.
In the spiritual realm, the forces that are for you are greater than the forces that are against you.
In the Book of Philippians, it says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice." - (Phil. 4:4).
And in Thessalonians, it reminds us, "Be joyful always..." - (1 Thes. 5:16).
If we could just know how to unearth the hidden treasure behind each day, we are not going to wait till tomorrow before happiness is embraced. Again, we can choose to be happy, now.
Emerson said, "Write it on your heart that everyday is the best day of the year."
The most important thing in our lives is what we are doing now: "This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."
I will never forget the amiable looks and the display of a happy countenance emitted from the face of the Officer, right after the short conversation that we had.
If time allows for us to meet again in the future, I will show him the hardbound book he gave to me with his autograph in it, and say, "Sir, thank you for this book. This token shall continually reminds me that anyone can really be happy even in the most desolate place."
"Come to me, all ye that labour
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke (Government) upon
you... for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - The King (Matt.
11:28-30).
