Eternal God,
We live at a time where too often the focus of life is on what is mistakenly assumed to be the attainment of happiness, but this definition of happiness is not grounded in meaningful accomplishments or in deep relationships, but in superficial achievements and the attainment of ephemeral things, or simply the pursuit of fun.
Ralph Waldo Emerson warned us against the shallowness of a life spent in pursuit of happiness, divorced of substance. He said that “the purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
May it be Your will, O God, that our lives be enriched from living with loving hearts and generous deeds, may we always act with honor and integrity, and may we always be known for living lives of meaning and substance. May this be God’s will.--AMEN.
