Welcome Aboard the Happy Bus!

Inside the Mind:

On my commute to school this morning, I jumped on the first bus available when I arrived at Union Station. It just so happened to be the “Happy Bus”. There were several decorated posters in the windows that said “Happy Bus” or “Smile Please”. The inside of the bus was decorated with large yellow smiley face balloons. The bus driver had some funky hat on and was welcoming everybody to the “Happy Bus” as they came aboard. This was definitely something I had never seen before. Just another adventure in downtown Chicago.

As I sat on the bus with a balloon in my face and several disgruntled commuters sitting next to me, my thoughts shifted toward the world’s view of happiness. All human beings strive toward happiness. It is a God-given longing of the heart. The question we should ask ourselves is this: How are we trying to fulfill this desire? Many people believe that wealth, honor, fame, or even a “comfortable” life could fill this desire of happiness. I have personally met several people of high standing or wealth and have learned that they were not only unhappy, but also bored and restless. As soon as they reached the goal they thought would make them happy, their happiness lasted only a short while. They soon longed for more. Many things on this earth provide temporary happiness, but it is only that: temporary. We will always have a longing for more.

In the book of John, Jesus said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

The word ‘complete’ in this verse, comes from the Greek word which means perfect, or filled to the top so that nothing more should be wanted. What an amazing promise! God is inviting us to partake of a perfect joy that is overflowing, not something that is temporary. Why are we satisfied with only the happiness of this world when there is something greater available? Have we lowered ourselves to a point where menial things provide us with our fix of happiness? There is a huge steak five-course dinner available, and we are choosing the PB&J instead. Something is drastically wrong with this picture.

Prayer Requests:

We have our last InterVarsity Large Group Meeting of the quarter Friday the 21st. Several non-Christians and several others that are struggling in their faith will be coming. Pray that their hearts will continually be encouraged and worked on through the speakers, worship, students, and fellowship.

Verse of the Week:

All that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my reward for all my labor. Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.- Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

Shout Out:

American League Champions! Go White Sox!!!
On to the World Series!