How To Be Happy

I would like to share an experience I had last night. 

My wife and I were out shopping and while in line, we saw a woman and a teenager buying a couple of kiddie pools.  In listening to their interaction, two things became obvious. First, the woman was going through chemotherapy for cancer. Second, they had only just met. 

The woman had a smile on her face and was very appreciative of the help she was receiving from the teenager.  As the line progressed toward the cashier, we learned that the teenager needed a ride home and the woman was unable to take him. They asked us if we would give him a ride. 

We usually don’t give rides to people we don’t know but this time we made an exception.

As we were taking him home, it was apparent he had some speech and communication difficulties. We learned that his parents had died from a heroin overdose when he was three. We learned that his grandmother, who took him in, died when he was five. He now lived with his older brothers, was attending high school in a different city, and was trying to get into college.

What struck me the most was how happy he was. He told us his philosophy was, since so many people had helped him, he was going to help as many people as he could. That is how he ended up with this woman that he didn’t know, in a check-out line, helping her with the kiddie pool. He saw that she needed help and he stepped up to the plate and helped.

And here is where I am going with this story. It is a proven fact that selfless service is the best way to achieve happiness.

We can be happy anywhere, any time, and in any situation if we serve others. Choose to serve.

David