Missed the sunset pageant tonight but when I walked Penelope at the evening’s gloaming I saw Mother Nature’s watercolors brushed across the horizon, thin strokes of pale orange, raspberry, and lemon. Made me think of a crystal compote of rainbow sherbet on a beautiful dessert plate, molasses lace cookies, an engraved sterling silver ice cream fork, and a dainty monogrammed linen napkin. A Southern tea party at its best.

The Lord created another glorious day today, dark blue sky, cloudless and sunshiny. The morning was a bit nippy. Walked Penelope dressed in her pink sweater. The neighbor’s dog, Bootsy, who has a swagger in her walk just like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, was intrigued by the sweater and sniffed every inch of it. I can hear the music from Saturday Night Fever when Bootsy walks by, her steps bouncing in time with the music. She’s so happy in her doggie life. We should be so happy.

I think I’m happiest spending time with family and friends. It’s not financial wealth or material possessions that bring us happiness. These things make life easier but don’t warm our hearts. Happiness is a choice. Research says you need three basic things for a happy life: someone to love (I think that can sometimes be a pet), something to do, and something to look forward to. I’ve an abundance of family love. Chief is gone, but my love for him still warms my heart through memories. I think the “something to do” is a purpose to the day, and we all look forward to happy events that will transpire in the future.

I would add we need a relationship with God to help us truly lead a happy and content life. God gives us peace and prayers give us comfort. I think happiness is only temporary and without faith and prayers we would drown in the trials of life. Happiness is not a destination you chase, it’s something you embrace through the choices you make. We experience happiness at different times in our lives. True happiness comes when we serve God and give of ourselves to others.

Happiness is in the every day small things that put a smile on our face, little blessings that bring sunshine in our lives on cloudy days, the love and support of those who love us. Happiness is here and now. It’s in the gratitude you feel for what you have. It’s in the peace that invades your heart when you know God’s love.

“God is the author of all true happiness; he is the donor of all true happiness; he is the maintainer of all true happiness, and he is the centre of all true happiness. . . . He that hath him for his God, for his portion, is the only happy man in the world.” ― Randy Alcorn