Today was a great day to begin this little blogging project. I went to Mass twice*, thus two rounds of the readings, prayers, and homilies. I read from Getting Things Done, (David Allen), In Conversation with God (Frances Fernandez), and the first couple of chapters of The Happiness Project (Gretchen Rubin.) Not sure if I can readily find a theme, but I will say one thing. Having a plan makes a difference. Perhaps a plan isn't even enough. I'd say having a plan with a purpose makes a difference. Here is what I read today that defends this claim:
From The Happiness Project, We must exercise ourselves in the things which bring happiness, since, if that be present, we have everything, and, if that be absent, all our actions are directed toward attaining it -Epicurus. In life a search for happiness is bound to happen anyway, you might as well set out on an intentional journey toward it rather than look for it based on whims and passing moments.
From Getting Things Done, People love to win. If you're not totally clear about the purpse of what you're doing, you have no chance of winning -David Allen. I think that one speaks for itself, but in case you need clarification, you aren't the only one who wins from having a plan. The people you intend to be a part of your life also benefit. They want to know what it means to be successful, whether they're you're family members, coworkers, employees, teammates, they all want to know they can win.From the Mass Reading today: Brothers and sisters: When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. As proof that you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God. -Galatians 4:4-7. God is intentional. He has a plan. He didn't just arbitrarily send His son because He thought it would be nice. It was nice, but not merely for the sake of niceness. It happened and matters because it won our Divine son-ship and freed us from the slavery of sin. God has a plan and his plan is purposeful.
We are made in God's image, we all search for happiness, and we all like to win, therefore 2011 is a great time to identify our purpose and plan. Here's to more happiness, intention, and freedom in the year ahead!
