Research shows that the happiest people have deep friendships
The private school graduate is no happier than the high school dropout! Can you believe that? Private school graduates tend to make more money, but income doesn’t raise happiness levels. Third, your IQ has no affect on your level of happiness. The genius is no happier than the average Joe. So, what makes a person happy?
The researchers concluded that the No. 1 predictor of happiness is the quality of your friendships. The happiest people have the deepest friendships. That’s what the Bible has continually proclaimed. Friendship with God and friendship with one another is the key to happiness.
At our church we focus on enjoying friendships. Following any get together, our Senior Fellowship Group always leaves feeling uplifted, lighthearted and joyful. Mostly in their 70s or 80s and some even 90+ years young, this amazing group of seniors gets together every week for their Sunday school class. They come to learn, laugh and enjoy coffee and snacks together. They also meet in a small group of 20 twice a month. During the meetings, they share lives, caring hearts and delicious lunches. On a recent excursion about 35 people went by charter bus to visit the Arizona Memorial and then enjoyed a lunch at Zippy’s. It seems that they always enjoy eating together. As I’ve personally interacted with our Senior Fellowship Group, I wholeheartedly agree with the researchers that say friendship is the key to happiness.
So don’t neglect your friends, as they will bring you much joy. If you’d like to make more friends, check out community churches, as many have fellowship groups. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “God evidently does not intend us all to be rich, or powerful or great, but He does intend us all to be friends.” So take time to enjoy your friendships. They will bring you more joy than watching Korean shows on TV.
Honolulu Christian Church, 2207 O‘ahu Avenue, Honolulu
808-973-4345
English Sunday services: 7:45am & 10:45am
Sunday School (all ages): 9:30am
Japanese Sunday services: 8:00am & 9:20am
We have a wonderful Senior Fellowship group, come and visit with us!
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