Don't worry, be happy...

Are you happy? Am I happy? Good question. A study in the news today revealed the unhappiest age is 44. With the happiest ages being the 20's and then the 60's. A "U" curve we're on. It also said Americans are pressured to be "happy". It's true. Think about when someone casually asks you how you are doing. You wouldn't dare say "Oh, not so good...." We always reply with a "Great, thanks!" with a fake smile. But shouldn't Americans be happy? Compared to the rest of the hell on earth, we should feel guilty bitching about anything. For the most part, we're fed, clothed and sheltered. We have more disposable income than any country in the world. How dare we say "life sucks". But, emotionally, I bet we are more miserable than those living in war-torn countries. We're isolated from others, rushed through our days and have sleepless nights. How many people do you know directly who are on either an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety drug? Most of us know someone who is or we're on them ourselves. It's a fallen world. I don't think we're supposed to be truly happy here. C.S. Lewis says "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."
Amen.

Advanced darkness?

I have so many things bouncing around in my head I want to write about, but the one that wants out the most right now is fear. Fear, not of man or beast, but of things over which I have no control. Those things which should be easily handed over to God, but are, for me, the hardest to let go of. Fear of disease, fear of losing control....that's what it comes down to. Controlling my surroundings or circumstances so as not to be suprised by ANYTHING. I've never done drugs or been drunk, not just because it's probably not a good idea, but because I don't want to feel, in any way, out of control. But it wears me out...staying on top of every single thought in my head, when most people can just let things go and move on. To quote the great philosopher Spongebob Squarepants- "This isn't your average, everyday darkness...this is advanced darkness."