April 22, 2022 – Click here to listen
So, I’m driving down the road in rural Costa Rica yesterday and in the middle of nowhere, I come upon a sign that says Happy Hour starts at 9:00 a.m. That one nearly got me, but I looked closer, and it was a sign in front of a small church. I smiled broadly and thought, now that has to be one of the cleverest Church signs I’ve ever seen. Not to say America does not have its clever sign keepers too. One example that I liked is this one: “The fact that there is a highway to hell and only a stairway to heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers”.
Imagine if churches could draw congregants like Happy Hour, why, the pews would be overflowing. Perhaps we would need many super-highways to heaven. Alas, it seems that Satan’s draw is more appealing.
Why is it called Happy Hour anyway? Because drinks are cheaper, and minds can be numbed for a fraction of the cost?
Why is it that so many need to numb their brains to be “happy”? I used to drink and take drugs to try and forget my early life and escape the hellish life I was living. Most folks, however, came from good homes, so why not face this wonderful life with a clear sharp mind?
I once had a female employee that had gotten herself into some serious trouble over excessive drinking and had done some things that she deeply regretted. She came to me for advice and during our discussion, she mentioned that in addition to excessive drinking she also took “social” drugs like marijuana and a few “pills” now and again. I said the obvious. She obviously couldn’t drink, and drug moderately, why not just leave it alone. She instantly responded: “Well, I have to take something”.
Why? I asked.
She stammered and then teared up and just looked at me with a helpless puzzled look on her face. It was obvious to me that she didn’t know why she was behaving this way or maybe just didn’t want to admit it. She wanted to be happy, and this was her attempt to achieve that goal. Apparently, she had convinced herself that she had to get a buzz going to be happy.
I found that the temporary high of drugs and alcohol never achieved that for me and I only found that state of mind through God. These days I am exceedingly happy and never touch the stuff. I don’t feel the need for anything except God. And no, I don’t live in a monastery and am not some religious dork. My life is filled with fun interesting adventures to experience. I have found my happiness when I’m doing the wholesome things in life.
Beginning in the Garden of Eden Satan has desired for you to be miserable. Think this through and maybe remember this sign found on a church: “Adam and Eve – the first people who didn’t read the Apple terms and conditions”. Beware of Satan’s temptations and run from them – Instead run straight to God!
Colossians 3:2
“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!