It’s so ironic that to find happiness you must stop looking for it.  Why is that?  When you make your personal happiness your mission in life then life is all about you.  That leads to selfishness, which leads to a non-fulfilling life.

If you think that buying the new television will make you happy, then you won’t be happy for long because they are coming out with a new one.  Researchers describe the so-called “hedonic treadmill” hypothesis, which holds that people rapidly adjust to improved situations; thus, as soon as they acquire some new delight—a second house, a third car, a fourth-generation iPhone—their expectations ramp upward, and they are left no happier than before.

So, if the pursuit of happiness is not going to bring me happiness, then what will?

Research shows that people are more energized about life when they are using their strengths for a bigger purpose beyond themselves.  Before researchers discovered this, Jesus said, “If try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it.  But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life.”

The happiest people I know are those who serve the Lord right here at Crossroads each week.  There is a sense of satisfaction, fulfillment and empowerment that comes from serving like nothing else I know.

How about you?  Are your greatest moments when you dared to step out and do something beyond yourself?  If you know you were meant for more, what can you  do for others that will help you find true life?

The longer I live the more convinced I become in the value of relationships.  Some express it this way, “It’s not what you know, but who you know” that makes the difference.  Quite honestly, I think much of that is true.  But, it’s not just because you can get your relatives to get you a job somewhere. (Although, that can be nice)  The way to get the job of your dreams is often because of what you learn from others.

The right people around you can teach you things you didn’t know.  Like having a 12 year old help you know how to use your smart phone.  Or, having an 80 year old couple tell you how they stayed together for the past 60 years.

Getting the right people together for the right reasons can lift you to another level.  Likewise, the wrong people can take you down to a level you never thought you’d be.  The Bible says, “Bad company corrupts good character.”  So, it IS important who you spend your time with and allow to speak into your life.

Perhaps it’s time to look at who you allow into your inner circle and see if there needs to be some changes.  It’s never too early to have the right people in your life, but it could be too late.  Don’t let that happen.

Think back, is there a time your life went to another level simply because of being with the right person at the right time?

One of the most important roles that a parent can play in the life of a child is reinforcement.  Children do not learn things the first time around – unfortunately.  So, a parent has to be ready to reinforce the things that are important time and time again, believing that this will be the time it takes hold.

I know this doesn’t sound fun, can be draining and even seem futile at times, but kids need reinforcement of the things that are important.  You may have told them that brushing their teeth is important, but they may not think it’s that valuable and is stealing some of their playtime.  So, a good parent reinforces why it’s necessary to take good care of your teeth by saying, “You’ll thank me one day for helping you with this when you don’t have to be in pain one day.”

Parents work hard, plus have so many irons in the fire and obligations that it can seem overwhelming to have to remind your children of good behavior, but keep your eye on the long run.  It may be taxing to have to continually say the same or similar things over and over again, but many of us learn by repetition.  So, suck it up parents and stop whining at your kids and instead step it up and reinforce values.  It may take a lot longer than you think for them to catch on, but when they do, you’ll be glad you stuck with it.

What are some other principles you think are important in parenting?

The power of consistency is easily overlooked.  Do you remember the story of the tortoise and the hare?  It looked like that silly rabbit was going to win the race because of how fast he started, but the race went to the one who just kept going.  The tortoise wasn’t as exciting to watch, but he still won.

How many people do you know that started well but ended bad?  Or, what great thoughts have you had that go something like this, “I’m going to start my own business one day”?  Only you’re no closer to starting that business now than you were the day you said it 5 years ago.

What if instead of wishing for this incredible future, you just did something a little extra each day?  Think about how your goal might be accomplished one day at a time.  Rather than sitting back and dreaming of what might happen one day, why not take a small step toward your dream today?

There are no overnight success stories.  If you know someone that’s successful, it’s because there was a lot of prep time going on that you might not have seen.  Failure can come instantly, but not success.  If you want to get a better knowledge of the Bible, then read at least some of it today.  If you want to get to know others and build quality Christian friendships, then join a Life group today.

Moses spent 40 years in the desert before becoming the hero to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage.  David was a shepherd for many years after being identified as Israel’s next king before it happened.  Even Jesus spent up to age 30 as a carpenter before bursting on the scene as the Messiah.

My point is, don’t miss the value of the steady, daily, incremental improvements that later show up as success.  How do you want to change this year?  What life goal or dream remains unfulfilled?  Why not at least take a small step in that direction today?  Remember the tortoise, inch by inch it’s a cinch.

A small step today can lead to big things tomorrow.