What Will You Pursue?

How important is happiness?

Thomas Jefferson apparently thought it was a big deal. He listed its pursuit, along with life and liberty, as three basic rights with which God endowed us.

Yesterday I did a training ride, and frankly it wasn’t a happy experience for several reasons that don’t really matter. I likely would’ve avoided riding, but Becky reminded me of nice autumn weather and the importance of continued training.

A couple of miles later I was acting grumpy, so I stopped and talked to myself about the silliness of wasting such a beautiful day. I didn’t want to fake being happy, but I decided to keep riding and list things for which I’m grateful.

I’m grateful for the amazing tour we just completed, for the people we met and the stories we heard. I’m grateful for the audiences the invited us to share our story, the generosity of our sponsors, the hotels that discounted room rates, and the folks who purchased books and donated to Convoy of Hope. I’m grateful for the divine appointments and for God’s incredible love and faithfulness.

I’m grateful for my handcycle, for the sense of freedom and joy it provides. I’m grateful that I can exercise and follow this amazing, God-sized dream. I’m grateful for the people I meet along the road, for their smiles and encouragement.

I’m grateful for Becky, for her endless support and encouragement. I’m grateful that she got me outside on a day when I didn’t want to go.

The list went on…until I finished my ride and I was still thinking of more things for which I was grateful.

Frankly, I wasn’t giddy with happiness, but that wasn’t the point. With all respect to Mr. Jefferson, chasing happiness seems like kind of a shallow distraction that’s not worth whatever we sacrifice in its pursuit.

My choice to focus on gratitude helped me rediscover meaning in my effort. Following the dream—the pursuit of meaning—is worthy of the sacrifice.

I’ve been thinking about what makes a meaningful life. More next time.

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