I'm Thinking Jesus

My Arby’s combo meal offered false hope today. I had nearly finished my Arby-Q sandwich and homestyle fries when I noticed the slogan plastered across my paper cup. Its blue banner with simple, white letters contained a single statement that I’m sure I could contest.

“Happiness is just a curly fry away.”

Seriously? Then why didn’t happiness come flooding into my life as I chomped into that first fry? Why am I – as I’m throwing away my crinkled wrapper and empty fry box – still feeling the same as I was when I first ordered a number 8 with a Dr. Pepper.

If happiness is just a curly fry away, then what am I doing just standing here? Why not order a box for everyone (5 for $5.95) and spread the joy?

Because it doesn’t work that way. Happiness can’t be purchased. Happiness can’t be acquired in a few moments time. Happiness has nothing to do with material objects, people, or curly fries.

Yet we often see happiness as a necessity. It’s written in the Declaration of Independence as one of our unalienable rights – “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” We’re looking for it, pursuing it, checking under every nook and cranny - in every activity, every possession, every relationship. We’re on a happiness hunt.

And it’s hopeless.

Might I suggest an alternative? Pursue God, not happiness. Look to your Creator, not to your curly fry.

If I’m looking for God – in every situation, every relationship, every nook and cranny of my life – then somewhere amidst it all, happiness will find me. It will come simultaneously with the pursuit of Christ, with a mind set on eternity, with a heart offered unto God and others.

“That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil – this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 3:13, NIV)

Happiness is a gift from God – not a right, not a product, not a side dish. It cannot be found in places that He didn’t put it. So empty your fry container, consume your Happy Meals, and chase your dreams, but when it comes to finding happiness… think Jesus.


Note: This article was submitted to Faithwriters as part of a weekly challenge with the theme of writing something suitable for teens.