Religion can play an important role in one’s happiness. However, religious beliefs are very personal, so I will leave that aspect mostly aside in our discussions. I am sure one can use one’s beliefs positively, alongside Happy Thinking, to find happiness.
At various points on this website, however, I will share wisdom about happiness that I have drawn from the major religions. There is so much wisdom from those who have sought happiness in the past that it would be remiss not to incorporate it into our modern pursuit of happiness.
I will now share a short religious “joke” that I heard. While the joke is, of course, fictional, I think it has a simple lesson for us regarding our relationship with religion.
Let’s imagine that someone called Tania lives in an apartment near a river. Unfortunately, a rare calamity strikes her neighbourhood: the river has burst its banks, and the town is increasingly flooded.
In desperation, Tania runs to the roof of her building. At this point, it’s important to know that Tania is very religious. She is devout in her beliefs and begins praying to God for the flood to subside.
However, the flood waters continue to rise, and Tania even prays harder. Suddenly, a boat appears nearby, and the people in the boat urge Tania to jump on board.
Tania replies, “I have faith in the Lord that the floods will recede, so while I am thankful for your offer, I will decline it”
The people in the boat look puzzled, but there are others they need to rescue, so they rush away.
The flood waters are now rising even more. As this happens, a helicopter appears in the sky and hovers near Tania. The pilot announces from the helicopter that he can come near and rescue her, but again, Tania replies the same thing as before, “I have faith in the Lord that the floods will recede, so while I am thankful for your offer, I will decline it”
The perplexed pilot flies away to rescue others.
The flood waters keep rising, and sadly, Tania drowns.
But of course, with her devoutness, she reaches Heaven, and waiting for her is God.
Tania is furious and angrily asks God, “You have disappointed me. I prayed so devoutly, and had full faith in you, so much so, that I even declined help from a boat and a helicopter.”
God smiles and says, “I responded to your prayers. I sent a boat to rescue you, and when you refused, I even sent you a helicopter! I was so confused about why you were not availing of my help!”
I like this joke because it highlights a nice point. While having faith can be important, it’s equally important to help oneself as much as one can, to overcome hurdles and achieve goals. It’s about doing whatever one can to help oneself.
I must stress that Happy Thinking does not compete against one’s spiritual beliefs. Instead, it is there to help one achieve happiness alongside help from one’s beliefs.