Happiness on the Horizon

"Oh, happiness is just around the corner from you, even when it feels like there is nothing you can do when you're sitting in the dark there. Oh, happiness is just around the corner!"-- We Banjo 3, "Happiness" 

It's about ten-thirty on Monday March 16th as I write this, and in just a few days, my world has become very small. And I am not alone.

We're all feeling the smallness of not just our four walls, but our place in the world. None of us can stop the pandemic. None of us can stop the widespread fear. None of us can undo a ban or restriction. And that powerlessness can fuel the fear already thrumming through the world, the fear of getting sick, the fear of a loved one dying. It's a lot. We have to admit that it's a lot. Because if we don't admit it, we're not being fair with ourselves or each other.

But once we've admitted it. Once we've looked the fear square in the eye, washed our hands again, and hunkered down in our homes...then what?

I'm not here to give you a bucket list. Which, I actually think that name might not be a great one right now. You know, since it's a list of everything you wanna do before you kick the bucket.... But I digress. There's plenty of that out there if that's what you're looking for so I don't feel the need to add.

No, my addition to the world is hope. I want that to always be my addition to the universal discussion. And this time, I'm talking hope with the help of my boys in We Banjo 3.

No, they're not guests. I can only wish. And maybe hope David will get bored enough during this social distancing. Just kidding. Sorta. Dave, if you're listening, I'd love to chat kindness and banjos.

But I'm totally gonna talk about one of their songs. I can't tell you what it means to them or why they wrote it. Instead, I'll tell you what it means to me right now today in this pandemic.

Happiness. Sometimes we dismiss this word. Like it's too trite and not as meaningful as it's big sister Joy. I actually love that it's the word the boys chose for their song. Whether or not we sound very sophisticated saying it, happiness is something we all crave.

We have an inate desire for laughter, amusement, and entertainment. We long for connection and relationship. We actively seek out that which delights us. This is all part and parcel of happiness.

Sometimes happiness flows free and easy, like a healthy stream rambling through the forest. And other times, happiness is elusive, evasive, and evaporated, like a mirage in the desert.

Unless this is your first time here, you know I've struggled with depression my entire adult life. Not every day, or every season, mind you, but consistently. So when David sings about, "sitting in the dark", I get it. There are times when happy is gone and darkness has settled.

It feels like that now on a worldwide level. The darkness of disease and unease is spreading. The pandemic is not only covid-19, but disappointment, anxiety, panic, and worst of all, grief.

Thank the Lord for those holding onto the light and lifting it like a candle. We see them on Instagram and other social media places. And we have them in our own communities. Friends who bring you groceries or toilet paper. Friends who text and call regularly to see how everyone's doing. Family who FaceTime because visits are unwise but connection matters. We are holding the light even as we shelter in place.

And happiness is just around the corner.

The boys call this the Irish verse, "it rains and rains and rains and rains and rains and rains for days, suddenly one bright morning all the rain has gone away. The sun is on the horizon. Oh happiness is just around the corner." And you know what? They're right.

Oh, not about it being the Irish verse. Although, yes, it can be quite rainy there. They're right about happiness.

In times of grief, one day you discover your face is tight with a smile. Then your chest clenches with laughter instead of sorrow. Even if it only lasts a minute or so, happiness has started to take back ground from the dark.

In times of depression, one day you have a sudden spark of interest in something. And then just as suddenly, some energy to actually do the thing. And you reach out to make a connection. There it is--happiness.

In this time of uncertainty, that isn't unprecedented for all history but it certainly is for anyone living it out now, happiness is around the corner. It's in the beauty we choose to create, see, and share. It's in the connection we make in spite of "social distancing". It's in the way we've been made to slow down, to dig deep right where we are and who we're with. It's in the way we choose to believe that although it may get darker before it gets lighter, happiness is on the horizon.

So, while we're waiting and praying this out, pursue some happiness. And give what you can to those around you, both in financial and material ways, and also in beauty, grace, and kindness. And listen to some banjo tunes. Guaranteed to make you smile for at least three to five minutes.

And wash your hands.