The big question.

Are you happy?

I didn't even know what to say about this, except that I can't get this question off of my mind. The first time I was asked it, at the start of summer, I was a little thrown off. I hadn't heard anybody ask that since perhaps the days of elementary school when "Are you happy now?!" was used maliciously or sarcastically. My friend who asked me explained to me why she thought I was sad. But I assured her I wasn't.

Since that first time, two other people have on two separate occasions asked me the same thing. And I still can't figure out why I find it such an odd question to answer. Usually people can tell if you're happy or not by observation. In some ways, it is quite refreshing to pause and realize - to become fully and consciously aware - that I am happy. It's nice to know that I have friends that care enough to ask how I feel.

I guess I hadn't noticed the shift over time in the definition of happiness. It's no longer just a transient feeling, the way a child is happy when he gets a new toy, or when something good happens; it's a state of being content. People can appear outwardly happy, but be desperate and broken inside -- I should know, I've been there.

But anyway I guess there wasn't really anywhere I was going with this all, except to ask, "Are you happy?"

I am. ☺

Jesus said..."I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10