In Search of Happiness II

In 1955 Walt Disney built Disneyland, an entertainment venue that would be called the “Happiest Place on Earth” and would revolutionize the way the world vacationed. The ever tenacious developer on the day of dedication delivered his address with these words: “To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” Since that jovial speech and the park’s opening millions have visited making it one of the touristy hot-spots in the world. In the park vacationers find four junctions called Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland—all tied together by a railroad that encircles it. They can get on and off the train at any stop, however to experience the full extent of happiness visitors are encouraged to make the circle. While it would be wonderful to think those visiting Disneyland found it to be the place for happiness, if the truth be known multitudes of parents, children, and friends visited yet left unhappy.  The weather was too hot, the lines too long, and the food too expensive.  They may have experienced periods of momentary jubilation but not unceasing happiness. The reason is simple.  The secret to finding this gift cannot be found in riding a roller coaster, watching a parade in the streets, or getting one’s picture with Mickey Mouse.  The key that unlocks the door to this emotion is found in Psalms. “Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!” An added secret is given by Jesus, “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them. “These are my commandments you will be happy if you do them.” Happiness is found in knowing and doing. Being free from guilt, judgmentalism, having self-worth and a feeling of accomplishment are all parts of the ingredient. These come by knowing and doing and result in one’s being able to say, “I am okay and so are you;” an equation that ultimately creates happiness.