day 36: C'mon, Get Happy!

Bobby McFerrin sang, "Don't worry, be happy!". That song became a huge hit because it struck the chord we all want to have inside of us; no worry and all happiness. Well, isn't that what we are supposed to be allowing our faith to generate? So, why is it that we can feel this way with a number parts of our lives but when it comes to work, it is just the opposite; "Worry, don't be happy"? Sure, we want our work to be enjoyable and we want to find joy in it, but as we have discussed before, work was not given to us originally as a gift (thanks Adam), but that doesn't mean that we can't and shouldn't strive to find happiness in how we put our talents to use to build, sell, market, support, or create. That happiness is within reach and we will feel more fulfilled and whole at our jobs if we can find that chord. After Solomon had gotten done telling us in Ecclesiastes how questionable work was, he goes on to tell us in Chapter 3:22; "So I say that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why they are here! No one will bring them back from death to enjoy life in the future". I find these words inspiring. I also take these words to make me want to change my attitude on the rough and tumble days. I also know these words to be true as many a family or relationship falls apart at home because someone is unhappy at work and they carry that unhappiness and frustration that comes with it back into the household. As much as the consultants teach, "check the office at the door", it is so much easier said than done. Maybe it is a set of small and surmountable frustrations at work that are keeping you from being happy. Today would be the day to take the serenity prayer to work with you. Go after changing those things that are burrs under the saddle that you can change, and just let go the other stuff that is above your pay grade or out of your sphere of influence. You can't change it all overnight, but start today with a little change. Enough of these and they will add up and happiness might sneak back into your cubicle.


Reference: Ecclesiastes 3:22 (New Living Testament)