The Key to Happiness

What is it?

Relationships.

It's that basic. I would say "simple", but relationships are rarely simple. They are, in fact, basic and occur all across nature.

I've never realized that relationships really were the key. If you're reading this and disagreeing and thinking to yourself how you'd rather do your own thing and in general keep to yourself and avoid people--I was there too. I was perfectly content with choosing video games and animals over people. I'm sure you find relationships somewhere: with animals, on the internet, in video games (with others, or your own virtual alter ego), or in stories you write/read. I'm telling you from experience: you are only running from personal relationships to put them in impersonal areas. Regardless, relationship is involved.

Lately I've really noticed the importance of relationship. This has been over many years and many different areas.

Relationship is why I preferred one Bible study over another. One I had bonded with my members, but the other I didn't feel like I belonged and couldn't relate with the other girls.

My positive relationship with the President of an organization is why I agreed to be Secretary. However, now I don't have relationships with the new officer team. I don't feel included. I'm not happy there. I don't enjoy it anymore. Why? A lack of relationship.

My roommate prefers Nebraska to New Jersey. Why? The relationships with people here, even complete strangers.

I had always loved horses. Mostly because I could ride them and get thrills, but now I notice there is much more. The relationship is what gives me true joy in horses.

The relationships you build with your floormates/roommates is what builds a positive living environment there. A lack of relationship will lead to a disappointing and dreary environment.

Job satisfaction is highly influenced by relationships with coworkers and superiors.

Everyone wants to feel like they are a part of something. Everyone wants a meaningful relationship. Many people are dreaming about their future spouse. Your friends and family are probably some of the highest priorities in your life.

God designed relationship. God IS relationship in its very purest form! God desires relationship with us, not just a list of rules. Jesus displayed this. He built faith by creating relationships with his disciples and planned for them to do the same.

We learn through relationships. We make decisions based on relationships. We will measure our happiness at the end of our lives by the relationships we have built.

Now I've realized the true importance of relationships. I'm striving to make deeper and more meaningful relationships. I hope you see the value of relationships and how God created them as the ultimate way for his creation to interact with the world and Himself.