Happier than a seagull with a french fry

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Today, I am happier than a seagull with a french fry. That’s my new mantra. I don’t care what the day brings. I’m going to make a conscious effort to always find the good in it. Will that be easy? No chance. Will I do it anyway? You betcha.

Sometimes, the worst things happen to me and those I love. But contentment doesn’t have to depend on my circumstances. Happiness is more than a feeling. It’s a mindset. 

Just a little over a year ago, I was interviewing for the job I have today. I had recently changed jobs only to be moved to a new position that I had no experience in or felt comfortable with. The environment, role, and even the organization were completely different from what I had envisioned. In short, it was not the right place to call my work home. 

And so, I began praying that God would guide me to a new role. After months of steadfast application submissions and a determination to follow God’s divine guidance, a potential employer called me to interview. Perhaps the most significant component of this job, in particular, was that it would allow me to work from home, full-time – thus allowing me to reside anywhere. 

My first interview came when I was with my mom and brother, staying on the island that is my happy place. The evening after the interview, I went out into the ocean to float on the waves – purposely choosing this location to thank God for the job opportunity. It was while I was bobbing up and down in the waves, worshipping my Creator with my entire existence, when it hit me. If I got the job, I could potentially live at the seashore permanently. Such an idea was almost incomprehensible.

And yet, eleven months later, I now live 23 miles from the vacation spot where I interviewed for the job I have today. God turned my dream into reality. 

The achievement of such a goal did not happen overnight, nor did it materialize without a massive commitment to prayer, submission, and a boat-load of hard work. What started as an idea, bouncing on the waves, became my mission. Allowing myself three weeks, I found, made an offer, and secured my new home. A few days later, I listed my former home, which sold in six days. Reaching out to my new employer, I asked for a two-week extension on my start date to allow time to finalize paperwork on the two homes – both of which settled within two days of one another. 

As one of my friends said, it’s difficult enough to find a new job, let alone a career, a new home, and successfully sell a former dwelling. None of these things were easy – in fact, they were tremendously challenging and stressful. I could have never accomplished any of these goals without God’s help. 

And yet, here I am – more blessed than I deserve. 

Today, as I sit on the beach, marveling at the ebb and crest of each new crashing wave, I’m reminded anew of how God’s hand rests on every facet of my life. God knew the waves He would allow to crash over me, even before I had seen a seashore. Before my world began, my heavenly Father knew when He would bring me up and when He would crash me down – all to bring me closer to His side. 

Life’s turbulent waves often hit me when I least expect them, smashing my face to the bottom of the ocean floor, filling my mouth with sea salt, and causing me to cough and sputter without any idea of which way is up. The experience is often frightening and disorienting. 

And yet, at other times, like today, God fills me with a euphoric experience as I sit with my toes in the sand, filling my lungs with the salty sea spray, lulled into peaceful contentment by the placid lullaby that is the seashore. 

Whether God chooses to let me rise or fall, triumph or tumble, win or lose, I will strive to maintain my joy. After all, I am His child, and I know that there is a purpose in everything that touches me. 

So for today, tomorrow, and every day remaining that God sees fit to grant me, I choose joy. 

As for today, I am happier than a seagull with a french fry.