Recently, while scrolling through social media, I came across a meme that read,
“A man’s happiness matters too.”
– Random post on Facebook
This seemingly simple statement caught my attention and prompted me to reflect on the true essence of my happiness, how it relates to personal fulfillment, and the role of being a child of God.
In today’s society, there’s a tendency to seek happiness from external sources – be it material possessions, social status, or recognition from others. I realized my happiness was more based on the happiness of others rather than something coming towards me. As a husband and father, seeing my family with a roof over their heads, food on the table, and clothes to wear, fills my heart with joy despite the labor I had to put forth. I understood that my happiness is intrinsically connected to theirs. It is not based on expecting something to come towards me, but rather on the fulfillment of my role as a provider and caregiver.
As my reflection on happiness continued, I looked to the scriptures for guidance. In the book of Genesis, God created the world and all living beings, reflecting on each day’s work and proclaiming it to be good. On the sixth day, when God created humanity in His image and likeness, He declared it to be “very good.” This act of creation was completed by God resting on the seventh day and sanctifying it as a reflection of His work.
I realized that being a child of God, made in His image, grants me the capacity to find happiness in the fruits of my labor, just as God did. Much like God appreciated the goodness of His creation, I too find fulfillment in the positive impact I can make as a loving husband, dedicated worker, caring father, and faithful child of God.