Chaplain’s Corner: Catch it for yourself

By Lt. Col. Willie Ailstock
13th ESC Deputy Command Chaplain

I remember reading a quote long ago that has stuck with me through the years.

An unknown author once said, “The best vitamin to be a happy person is B-1.”

The truth is, happiness is a choice that each of us has to make on a daily basis. To be or not to be, that is the question?

Ben Franklin put it this way, “The constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself.”

I want to share with you what I think are four essentials to happiness.

First in your pursuit of happiness, let’s realize that each of us will take different roads getting there.  So often I hear people being critical of others because they don’t agree with the road they have chosen for themselves.  Rather than being critical, I think the road each of has chosen can be much more enjoyable and enriching if we choose to encourage each other along the way.

Second, to be happy, every one of us needs to have something to do. Someone has said idleness is the Devil’s work shop.

As a chaplain here at Joint Base Balad, I have found that when people have nothing to do, their pursuit of happiness has hit a wall that spells trouble.  We all know, being in the military, we are gainfully employed – sometimes putting in more hours than we would like.

Our jobs aren’t the problem, it is what we do or don’t do in our down time.  Think about doing some constructive, life enriching activities with your off time. It’s your choice … do something.

Third, everyone needs something to love. As you pursue happiness, consider what you love doing most of all. What is the one thing you enjoy most in life?  It might be your family, your job, a relationship, a hobby or it could be your relationship with God.

Finally, we all need something to hope for.

I’m reminded of the words of Jesus when he said, “I have come so they might have life in all of its abundance.”

For me, the road to happiness is the same as the road to abundant life. Happiness is there for the asking, or maybe I should say, for the taking. It is a gift offered to all who will request it.

 

Expeditionary Times  Vol. 2 Issue 45