Success is not the key to happiness; happiness is the key to success. If you enjoy what you are doing, you will be successful.

"That everyone may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God." Ecclesiastes 3:13

When I was growing up television commercials came in two types.   Either they were funny (Where’s the beef?)  Or they were infomercials that always started with a question. 

“Are you stuck at a dead-in job?” 

“Does your hair curl when the weather gets bad?”

“Do you want white sparkling teeth?” 

The next sentence always began with the word “well.” 

 

“Well, we have news for you!”

“Well, don’t wait!”

“Well, a new revolutionary product can help you!”

Those commercials ruined my generation. 

There used to be a time when you would work at your job and be happy doing it.   Moms stayed home and weren’t embarrassed to tell their friends they were stay-at-home moms.  Kids were excited when they could do chores to get their allowances and go spend it on something simple like an ice cream.    

People were content.  Then came the infomercials.   

Now, my generation questions everything.    

We can’t understand why we can’t be the CEO with only one year of experience on the job.   We don’t know why the politicians won’t do what we say.   Allowances are never enough because we don’t want ice cream anymore.  Now it has to be expensive video games.   

Oh my goodness!!!!   I’m turning into my grandpaw!!!!

He used to tell me, “Son, just be happy with what you have.”   Usually right after I asked for something silly and then followed with, “Well. . . .Timmy has a new bike and he loves it.” 

We have forgotten what it means to be content.   We question everything and we use the word “well” in ways it was never meant to be used.    Instead of describing how someone feels, the word “well” is used now as a comparative bridge to explain why we want something more.  

“Well. . .he has one.”

“Well. . .her parent bought her. . .”

“Well. . .I think. . .”

What we really need to do is question less our places in life and more singing, “It is WELL with my soul.”   

Let us pray. 

O God, you are the source of all the blessings in our life. We seek to make our hearts aware of your presence and love so that we can sing your song. We praise you for your never ending forgiveness.  Thank you for making everything well with our souls.   In Christ’s name we pray.  Amen.