Read
Chapter 10
Ok, so God cares about my happiness after all. But what can I practically do to be happier?
Maybe that’s the question you’re asking right now, as we step into the final phase of the dare.
Weeks ago, we learned that God approves of our happiness. And then we discovered how we were uniquely wired by God with a style.
But how, we ask, can happiness become real in our own lives, especially on our hardest days? How can we find happiness when it sometimes feels out of reach?
Lean in close, friend, so I can whisper in your ear:
The “how” is closer than you think. The “how” is found in those tiny acts of courage, when we fight for happiness, with our heads held high.
It happens in the little moments, in the slowing down, in the lingering over an exquisite memory, a perfect cup of tea, the last notes of the symphony. It happens in the hammock, on the front porch, down by the river, or — if you’re a Doer like me — right in your office.
You and I took the dare. And now we’re being called to live it.
If you’ve read Chapter 10, you know that I wrote this book because I needed this book.
I learned that happiness starts with just five minutes every day.
It begins by investing five minutes daily in seeking the kind of pleasure that brings happiness to your heart and brings glory to our God.
I know what some of you might be thinking. Five minutes? Come on. Really?
I quote research in the book to support the theory that five minutes makes a difference. But I have more than a body of research to point to. I have seen how it made a difference in my life.
Every day, I commit at least five minutes to the holy pursuit of happiness. Here are just a few things I do regularly to boost my happiness:
- Send a card to someone needing encouragement. (Five minutes tops, counting the time it takes to address the envelope.)
- Step outside every day at noon, lift my face to the sky, and thank God for this beautiful world. (Three minutes, but some days it feels so good, I stay for ten!)
- Accomplish one small task that gives me a bit of satisfaction. (Two minutes a day to make my bed!)
- Send short text messages to friends to let them know they matter. (One minute per text, counting the time it takes to find the perfect emoji!)
That’s just a start. There’s so much we can do in five-minute increments to build up our stores of happiness.
It takes discipline. But let’s get started today, with the Spiritual Discipline of Happiness. And let’s watch our happiness grow, five minutes at a time.
What’s Next
For Tuesday, read Chapter 11.
Discuss
Head here to join the conversation! Read Romans 12:2: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Science now confirms the truth of that Scripture. What can you do, in five minutes each day, to begin to renew your mind and alter your thoughts toward happiness?
Jennifer Dukes Lee is the author of The Happiness Dare and Love Idol. An award-winning former news journalist, she is also an (in)courage writer. She loves air guitar, dark chocolate, emojis, messy people, and Jesus — not in that order. Jennifer and her husband live on the Lee family farm in northwest Iowa with their two daughters, where they spend at least five minutes every day in the pursuit of happiness.
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Jennifer,
I find that the 5 minutes when I focus on others brings me the greatest happiness…perhaps that’s why I’m a “giver”. My husband laughs that I have an entire drawer filled with note cards….thank yous, thinking of yous, birthday cards, congrats cards, blank cards…you name it – I’ve got it. There’s just something about getting a snail mail card with a hand written note. Also, taking 5 minutes for ourselves is not a sin. God delights in us when we simply delight in being His creation and are good to ourselves. Though I haven’t been able to do the book club…I loved your book!
Thanks for spreading some much needed cheer!
Blessings,
Bev
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
Oh, Bev. This reminds me so much of my mother. Ever since I was a little girl, Mom kept a large stash of greeting cards. And every morning, when I’d come downstairs for breakfast, she’d be sitting at the kitchen table writing the day’s greetings to friends who were celebrating birthdays, anniversaries … or just needing a little encouragement in their life.
Thank you for sharing.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Jennifer,
I think your mom and I would be fast friends 🙂 I can tell her caring attitude has rubbed off on YOU 🙂
Blessings,
Bev xo
ps. Hope your book is flying off the shelves!!
Beth Williams says
Bev,
How interesting that you are a giver also! I have a hand carry card organizer. It is chocked full of cards-some blank, get-well, etc. I love sending cards to people to make their day. That simple act can cheer someone up on an otherwise downer day. Often times I call or text people to say Hi-just thinking about you. Love letting people know I care!
Blessings 🙂
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Beth,
I believe we are two peas in a pod 🙂
Keep on giving 🙂
Bev xx
Pearl @ Look Up Sometimes says
Thank you so much for this, Jennifer! I also wasn’t able to do the book club this time (saving money so I can buy your book!), but the posts have whet my appetite for more. Adjusting to my kids’ school schedule went really well — for two days. Today, not so much. Thank you for handing me a tool I can use to get out of the I-messed-it-all-up slump and also put the focus back on others.
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
Pearl,
I am so glad that these posts have encouraged you. You can also consider signing up for my Dares of The Day over on my blog. You’ll get 10 happiness dares in a row, for free, right in your inbox. 🙂
Be blessed!
georgie orrego barreto says
Good morning Jennifer. Many thanks. So useful you teach us. A practical way to change our mind near Jesus’s mind. I begin today, just now. Our Lord bless you and your family.
Corena Hall says
My happiness lies in my cup of coffee as I read and pray. He uses me to write and sometimes send the message to the one it’s meant for. I’m amazed He uses this messed up tired mom and when He does it gives unending joy brings a smile to my face…its happiness.
Privileged to be on the prelaunch team, blessed to be doing the book study so I can mark up the physical book as I am memorizing parts of it ( 3rd go around). ❤️Jennifer.
An says
Jennifer, thank you for this beautifully encouraging posting from the Lord. It is such a needed grace today and I love how these “happy boosters” are flexible and do-able. That each one of us would seek the Holy Spirit’s inspiration for using these great tools and creating new ones to bring a bit of “happy” and “joy” to others, our hearts, and to the joy of out heavenly Father 🙂
BW says
Happiness and joy can come from the smallest and simplest acts or even thing’s. A sunlight warming up your face, a old song that speaks to you, words that pick you up. Those are the Good Lords little blessings that make the difference. As someone once told me its all about the little things, they add up to the greatest treasures.
Beth Williams says
Jennifer,
I, like Bev, am giver. I glean such happiness from giving to people. Taking five or ten minutes to write and mail cards, send nice text/email or call someone to say Hello just thinking about you. That can make my day. I also get pleasure from going outside for short walks in nature. Just looking at the gorgeous mountains or numerous stars in the night sky can also make my day and bring happiness!
Blessings 🙂
Ellyce says
With my happiness style being thinker I love to take time to be in God’s Word. My favorite way to get happy in the middle of my day is to go out at my lunch hour and read. We have a park just down the street from my office. I sit in my car with the windows down and read, listen to the birds, look at the sky. This is like a mini-getaway in the middle of the day. It’s a great time for me to refresh and renew and energize for the rest of my day. I am thankful that I work at a church because I can also have little reminders hanging around my desk and work space.