Happiness.

It’s something we all want.

 

In the midst of our busyness and running….

Happiness quote by John Barrymore :: FREE 5x7 Printable :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.
~ John Barrymore

 

How much better would we be if we consciously left the door to happiness open, everyday?

It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life.  Consumed with work, projects, tasks, errands, appointments, and running here and there, we often leave no margin or open door for happiness to present itself.

Chasing after happiness for happiness’ sake is inward focused rather than outward focused and a sure way to become like Eeyore. 

But…happiness will flow into our lives when we look to bless others, when we put margin in our days to enjoy our relationships and see the beauty of the world around us, and when we engage in activities which utilize our gifts and graces.

So how about it?

Will you consciously leave the door to happiness open today?

 

I’ve made this graphic available for a free printable download here.
Print it out as 5×7 and frame it as a lovely reminder.

 

Thank you to Keren at Free Pretty Things for You for this sweet bubble graphic I used in my printable.

 

**UPDATE: Evidently this post is a bit controversial, based on emails and unsubscribes.  Because of this I feel the need to write a ‘disclaimer’ of sorts.

The other day I came across the quote above and I liked it.  Why?  Because I know people who, though they have a relationship with Jesus, just aren’t very happy people. Over the years I have seen how ‘life’ swallows up some people and they miss the happiness of a sunrise, or birds singing, or a silly joke, or even a neighbor’s greeting.  I also know that God cares about our happiness.  There are verses in the Book of Proverbs that begin, “Happy is the man who…”  and then there is this verse in Isaiah 53…”Those inclined toward Him, waiting for His help, will find happiness.”  I am quite aware that the happiness in each of those verses is directly correlated to following God and his instruction.   I am also quite aware that we often mistake happiness for joy which is a deep abiding sense of contentment that has no relationship to our circumstances.   I also read in the Bible that God “delights” in all kinds of things.  Have you not seen the delight in a child’s eyes when something wonderful happens.  Delight is sheer happiness.   And if God “delights” in something…so should we.

I say all this to help you understand that this post was meant to simply be that little nudge to take delight in the little things in your day.  It was meant to be lighthearted and not theological.  To encourage all of us to be outward focused rather than inward focused.  To live life fully.  To be happy people with whom others want to be around.  All of that.

Sometimes people who call themselves Christ followers believe that in leading a godly life we must be dourful.  The fact is, we need to be the happiest, most joy-filled, grateful people in our corners of the world.

I’m sure that all those who unsubscribed will not be reading this post.  I doubt that it would have made a difference.  I’m guessing those of you who are regular readers know my heart.  And you know that one of my goals here is to inspire you to live life fully and beautifully.  It’s part of living the abundant life that Jesus died to give us.

So, my friend…live life fully and richly today.  Bless those around you.  Thank God for his goodness, grace, and generosity.   Laugh, and dance, and sing praises.  And be happy.


Thank you for stopping by today.

I appreciate you and your sweet comments make my day.

Wishing you a happy day!

Diane

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Comments

  1. Love the printable. HPS Michelle

  2. That’s awesome, thank you for the printable! I have a big sign in my kitchen (that I made) that simply says “Be Happy”. 🙂 Juila

  3. This is a great quote! Lovely printable! Stopping by from Best of the Weekend! : )

  4. You are so right! Love the printable too…it’s so pretty. 🙂

  5. I love this quote…it expresses such hope for the future! Love the idea of a printable…thanks for sharing!

    • Diane says

      Jodee…I think you’re right. I hadn’t thought of it that way…but it surely is a hopeful attitude. 🙂

      Hope your weekend is extraordinary!

  6. Annpauley says

    To be happy, I feel one must love himself first, and that comes from experiencing God’s love. With that
    Experience, one forgets about self, and is able to give to others without expecting anything in return. It is a constant struggle since we cannot always be in a happy state, but at least, we can achieve peace, which,
    Only God gives.
    Ann
    ,

    • Diane says

      Hi Ann! Oh yes, I’m pretty sure having peace in our hearts is more sustaining than happiness, too.

      Blessings!

  7. Carolyn Ward says

    Diane,
    Some may have been put off because it’s a quote from a Hollywood actor. But pearls of wisdom can be found in the most unusual places.
    Another quote from a secular source is that one that goes something like, “Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be”
    Personally, I think it’s a good one. Thanks for sharing & making it so pretty w/the rosy “bubble”.

    • Diane says

      Carolyn…thank you for your insight. I hadn’t thought of that. Your thought remind me that all truth is truth regardless. And your quote is so true. Maybe that’s what makes the most difference. Yes? I like the idea of being happy and joyful. 🙂

      Blessings, my friend!!! 🙂

  8. I am amazed that people took offense to your original post. I think those people may have been looking inward too much and missing the point altogether. I appreciate your message. We always need to remind ourselves to stop and appreciate all of the goodness God gives us, including the beauty of the people and the world around us.

  9. Say, say and Amen! Love your thoughts here Diane!

  10. Diane:

    I don’t understand why anyone would unsubscribe from your quote. We all need a bit of introspection. At times we all forget what surrounds. It’s a beautiful quote and I’m so happy you shared it at Seasonal Sunday.

    – Alma, The Tablescaper

  11. Lovely and a great quote!!! Thanks for sharing, Diane!
    Hope you’re having a great weekend:)
    Hugs from Portugal,
    Ana Love Craft
    http://www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

  12. kim says

    I love the encouragement and the free printable! Thank you for sharing your heart!

  13. heidi says

    The printable is too cute! And you are so right happiness flows into our lives as we bless others. Sometimes it’s difficult to remember that, but it’s always true.

  14. Marti says

    Diane, I don’t see anything wrong with this, I love it! I’m not offended in any way. It’s true! I don’t understand why anyone would unsubscribe over this. Well, think of it this way…you gained a new like-mined follower…I just subscribed! 🙂

    Have a great day!

  15. I thought at first your “disclaimer” was about another post! I cannot imagine being upset with the quote. Just this morning my pastor asked us all to SMILE! He said if anyone had something to be happy about it was God’s people! And we shouldn’t go around looking downcast and defeated. So true! Makes me think of the little children’s song “Smile awhile and give your face a rest. Raise your hands to the One you love the best. Turn around to someone near…shake their hand and SMILE!” I wasn’t crazy about having to sing it as an adult, another pastor years ago had the adults sing it! lol! But the point was…Christians should be happy! Nothing wrong with your printable….be blessed! And happy! 🙂

  16. JaneEllen says

    THank you so much for this printable, it’s beautiful. Happy Spring days

  17. What a great saying! And it is so true! Think I’ll be printing this out for myself! Thank you!

  18. Mel says

    Well, heck…I’m just LATE, not unsubscribed. :-/ Dealing with the new position, bronchitus and the silly pain stuff pretty well zaps me. The cough is better, so it’s progress! And I ‘m fairly sure G-d uses everyone of His kiddos as messengers–bidden or unbidden, G-d is present, yes?
    I heard the message…I can close doors and feel entitled to it. Can’t we all. I get a bit self absorbed, focused on being ‘right’, I close doors on any chance at happiness cuz I’m looking for more things to validate my crabby thinking. Leaving a door open for it might mean interrupting my pity party. LOL…I laugh, but it’s true for me! So thank you for blessing me with the reminder. Most folks are as miserable as they make up their minds to be, too. 😉

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