My heart is genuinely happy as I reflect back on 2010 – for the blessings of friendships, new and old, for milestones met and accomplished goals, and for all that I’ve been given. I think about the word, “happy,” which seems to be the “buzz word” floating around in magazines, blogs, books, and projects. People are looking for true happiness, trying to find satisfaction and contentment, and desiring simplicity.

When I came across this reading this morning, as I was reviewing my “to do” list and gearing up to help my friend with a big New Year’s Eve party tonight, I decided to end 2010 here at RE by sharing these insights, as I’m optimistic, excited, and hopeful for what 2011 will bring our way. It’s called … Savor Satisfaction.

The good life – the one that truly satisfies – exists only when we stop wanting a better one.

It is the condition of savoring what is rather than longing for what might be.

The itch for things, the lust for more – so brilliantly injected by those who peddle them – is a virus draining our souls of happy contentment.

Have you noticed?

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A man never earns enough.
A woman is never beautiful enough.
Clothes are never fashionable enough.
Cars are never nice enough.
Gadgets are never modern enough.
Houses are never furnished enough.
Food is never fancy enough.
Blogs are never perfect enough (I added this!)
Relationships are never romantic enough.
Life is never full enough.

Satisfaction comes when we step off the escalator of desire and say … This is enough. What I have will do. What I make of it is up to me and my vital union with the living Lord.

(Chuck Swindoll, Wisdom for the Way, Page 54)

My friend Edie’s house completely burned to the ground last week. I am heartsick for her family. For someone whose faith must be wavering, who’s just lost everything of material value (which we often look to for our happiness), I’m in awe of where she stands. Her words to me in an email this morning were simple, hopeful, yet profound.

… He’s remaking us and we will pray for grace to surrender.

May 2011 bring a simpler and sweeter life to all. That even in our pains, struggles, disappointments, tragedies – when our fears become real – that we’ll settle in to a contentment with God and savor the satisfaction of His blessings. Again, as Chuck says, “The good life – the one that truly satisfies – exists only when we stop wanting a better one.”

To me, this is where true happiness begins.

Thank you for your friendships, comments, love and support (especially toward my new book). Again, I am thankful for much! Happy 2011!

What does true happiness mean to you?