Religion: A Pastor Ponders

Being happy

By Pastor William Jenkins

June 10, 2006

Some years ago in Paris, a handsome young man went to see a psychiatrist. “Please help me,” said the obviously wealthy young man. “I feel so empty inside. I am bored to tears. I’m depressed and unhappy most of the time. My life is going nowhere. Please help me.”

The psychiatrist was an older man and he looked at the young man with a twinge of envy. But then he remembered Grimaldi, the most notorious playboy in Paris and the most admired leader of the jet Set in France. The psychiatrist said to the young man, “I know what you need to do to find happiness. Go to Grimaldi. He will teach you how to enjoy life. Grimaldi will show you how to be happy. Yes, that’s what you need to do. Go to Grimaldi.”

“But, Sir,” said the young man, “I am Grimaldi!”

Where does one find happiness? Not out there somewhere. Not in places to go or things to do or stuff to swallow or things to buy. Happiness is not something we find, it is something that finds us. It is the by-product of a life well-lived. It is being in right relationship with God and with other people. It is a by-product of usefulness, of commitment to God and his cause. It is a by-product of celebrating every day as a gift from God. A lesson every Grimaldi would do well to learn.

League City United Methodist Church is located at 1411 Main Street (FM 518), one block east of Interstate 45. For information, call the church offices at 281-332-1557 or visit the website at

HYPERLINK - http://www.lcumc.org