Peace and Happiness

"God can't give us peace and happiness apart from Himself because there is no such thing." ~C.S. Lewis

I've been feeling very peaceful and happy lately, and today was pondering on what it is that has made me feel this way. Family, of course. The love I have for a wonderful husband, the happiness I feel as I spend time with my adult children and their spouses, and probably most especially, the joy that I have been blessed with as I love and enjoy our precious grandchildren and Primary children all add up to peace and happiness, for sure. Extended family and friends that feel like family make life nearly perfect.

But I stumbled upon this quote today and it all clicked and fell precisely into place in my mind. The peace and happiness I feel is because I have God in my life. And clearly His presence in my life is manifested in all the things I love and cherish: my family, the beautiful place I live and the opportunities and challenges that are placed in my path. I am more than blessed, I know.

And how grateful I am to know what I do: that He lives, that He loves us and that we can have peace through Him.

[picture found here http://www.warmfrogstudio.com/art/happiness.html]