Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain… but all the happiness and growth occurs while we are climbing it. The truth is there is no better time to be happy than now. Recognize precious moments and cherish them.

Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to delight in, not to endure.

Happiness is not born of outward conditions, but depends upon what a person is in the inner fabric of his or her heart. The feeling of happiness dwells in the soul.

We can make our life whatever we want it to be. Create out of it something beautiful and meaningful. Happiness comes from giving, not getting. If we try daily to bring happiness to others, we cannot stop it from coming to us also. To get joy, we must give it, and to keep joy, we must scatter it. Time waits for no one; share it with someone special, special enough to spend your time.

Last night, I set the dining room table with our best china, cloth napkins and I placed fresh flowers on the table. I lit scented candles and played soft music while preparing dinner.

My 9-year-old daughter asked, “Mommy are we having company tonight?”

“Yes” I replied.

When it was time for dinner our three little girls counted the lovely place settings.

Then, they questioned, “There are only five place settings, where are we going to sit?”

Smiling, I said, “Right here next to Mommy and Daddy.”

“But where is the company going to sit? asked the girls collectively.

“You are the company,” I said “this special dinner is for three very special girls…” “Wow…I can’t wait to tell my teacher about this,” my 9-year-old exclaimed.

I do not want to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add joy to my life and the lives of others. If it’s worth doing, I want to do it today. I don’t want to take tomorrow for granted.

Every day is a blessing from God. That’s why we should make a decision to be generous with our affection, love and praise. Last week, I saw a sign in a store window that read, “Only love matters.” So let us be grateful for those nearest and dearest to us, and let’s express over and over again how much we love and appreciate them.
Embrace and hug your children daily and watch their eyes light up with joy as you tell them, “You are God’s gift to me,” “I am proud of you,” “You’re a blessing,” and “I love you so much.”

So today, do that kind deed. Surprise someone with a small gift. Give a reassuring touch. Send a thoughtful card that you intended to write one of these days. Extend your hand and heart. Coach a sports team. Help a neighbor with yard work. Take someone who doesn’t drive to the grocery store. Tutor a child. Or mentor a young person. Your joy will be full, as love flows out, and brightens the life of others.

Let us find time each day to see beauty and love in the world around us. And may we see our future as one filled with love, promise and sweet possibility.