“P” – Blogging A to Z

 

As we continue our journey through the alphabet, we land on the letter “p.” One sure way to improve your attitude or boost your happiness is to pick up the tab.

 

pIn the article written by Jennifer Rainey Marquez, she says that “treating a friend to a cappuccino offers a bigger happiness boost than hitting the café solo. Spending just $5 on another person can make a significant difference in your mood by the end of the day, says a University of British Columbia study. The amount above $5 doesn’t even matter, as long as you use to benefit someone else.”[i]

 

Now I believe there are two elements in this happiness booster suggestion. Being with a friend and paying it forward. So let’s begin with friendship.

 

God created us to be in relationship. Relationship with Him as well as with other humans. If that were not the case, Adam wouldn’t have needed Eve.

 

Through Scripture we find people connected to another. Their friendships have given us examples of how to be friends ourselves. People like David and Jonathan. Ruth and Naomi. Paul and Barnabas. Jesus and one He loved. Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Aquila and Priscilla. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Joshua and Caleb.

 

Of course there are bad examples of “friends” as well. Samson and Delilah. Ananias and Sapphira. Cain and Abel. Judas and the chief priests. Forever, these names will be linked as examples of who we should steer clear of when looking for friends.

 

So once you’ve found that perfect, Spirit-filled friend to sip a cup of Joe or tea with, the next hurdle is to see if they will actually let you pay for their beverage of choice or meal. Paying it forward is such a blessing, but it can be difficult to be on the receiving part of that gift. Why?

 

Are we so arrogant and filled with pride that we can’t look beyond this expression of goodwill to see what joy it brings to the person who is doing the giving? How thoughtless we are!

 

The givers in our world find such great joy and happiness in giving. Remember, there are those who are spiritually gifted in this way. So when we refuse, or argue about who will pay for what, we unknowingly suppress their giftedness and douse their spirit with a bucket of cold water.

 

The Apostle Paul shared these words about giving. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 – NIV)

 

Who is it that you can bless today by spending time with them? Who is it that you can bless today by paying it forward? Perhaps it’s time for you to use the gifts God has given you. Who knows, you might just find yourself humming when it’s all said and done.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,” Jennifer Rainey Marquez, Good Housekeeping, Vol. 260, No. 4, page 114.

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