ebernick 
The photo which serves as today’s life lesson was taken whilst I was walking through a middle class suburb one morning. I was suddenly struck by this striking tree out of the corner of my eye. It made me stop in my tracks whilst I caught my breath at its remarkable colours. Up until that point in my walk, nothing had held my attention in any unusual way, and in an instant that all changed. One tree got me thinking. Thinking about the things in our lives which we could easily overlook. Things which add colour to our lives. Things which add meaning to our lives. Things which add value to our lives. Things which bring joy into our hearts. Things which make us smile. Not expensive things. Not outstanding things. Not material things. Not things which cost money.
I could easily have walked past this tree without noticing it. Isn’t that true of so many things we “walk past” in life without appreciating it? I shudder to think of what wonderful “gem’s” I have missed in my life, simply because I was “too busy” with life, and even too focused on pursuing the very things which I listed above, namely expensive things, material things, things which cost money, but things which ultimately do not bring us true value, happiness, joy and meaning.
I recently attended a gathering of friends, and with a new year bearing down upon us, someone asked the question we often hear as we approach a new year: “What are your goals for next year?” As I listened to the various responses, I was struck by how many people mentioned things which had to do with money, or the things money can buy. No wonder happiness eludes so many of us; we are pursuing things which have little value when it comes to our being truly content and fulfilled.
One response to the question posed above really stood out for me, not because it was from my daughter, but because it truly represented the kind of things which I believe make us better people and help us enjoy true peace and happiness. My daughter shared with the circle of friends that her goal for next year was to more fully develop the fruitages of God’s spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, and self-control), especially within her marriage. I was once again reminded why my daughter, despite not having much materially, is fundamentally a happy and content person, enjoying inner peace and harmony.
What “things” are you missing in your life journey? Do you notice the “strikingly beautiful trees”, causing you to pause and ponder its beauty? These “trees” may include “opportunities for happiness” such as a gentle gurgle from a baby, the warm smile of a child, the beautiful scenery of nature as you take a stroll at sunset, a kind word from a classmate or workmate, the touch of your partners hand on your hand, a hen gathering her chicks, the exquisite lullabies of birds in your garden, a gorgeous sunrise directing rays of warmth into your bedroom, a fine dinner prepared by a wife or mother, a considerate driver giving you right of way, a hot bubble bath on a cold day, enjoying a good book or movie, a playful pet, beautiful music, and so the list can go on and on.
Life presents us with an abundance of reasons for being grateful. However, for us to enjoy the opportunities to feel the happiness and joy these opportunities provide each one of us, we first need to develop the right attitude. We need to appreciate the need to be aware of what opportunities to look out for. Not things to do with money or the things money can buy. Things which are simple and available to anyone, regardless of their situation in life. As you think about what opportunities you could become more aware of in your life to create happiness, try to get more in touch with yourself. You will be pleasantly surprised that the things which will bring you happiness are not so much material things, but things to do with nature, as well as many things which are right in front of our eyes, if only we would “open” them to see the abundant opportunities for enjoying the happiness, peace and contentment which otherwise so often eludes us.
One thing which will help us to develop a grateful attitude is not to have an attitude that “life owes” us. Life owes us nothing. It is up to us to generate our own happiness. And we don’t make it by “taking”. The “takers” of this world are unhappy. Just think of the people in your life who are “takers”. Are they truly happy?
On the other hand, people who are “givers” tend to be happy and content. They seem to receive more, because they are always giving. Think about it, who would you rather give to, someone who always “takes’, or someone who is generous? No wonder “givers” seem to receive more. An ancient proverb says that “the generous person will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor”.
Hence, enjoying blessings starts with having the right attitude. Don’t expect “handouts” or rewards for being a generous person. Don’t focus on what life can give you, rather focus on the joy of giving, then the law of “reaping what you sow” will automatically reward you with “beautiful trees”. As you continue to be grateful for these rewards (the “trees” in your life), you will experience happiness which comes from within, as well as peace of mind and contentment.
(Eberhard Niklaus is an author, speaker, facilitator, business coach and trainer. His business coaching programme “Developing the art of crafting a winning team”, has helped many sales and business teams to maximize performance, productivity and profitability)
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