HAPPY MEAL FIX

When you buy your child a Happy Meal, you're not just buying fries, McNuggets, and a toy; you're buying happiness. Their advertisements and packaging have convinced children they can’t live without those Golden Arches. The problem with the Happy Meal is that the happy wears off, and they need a new fix. No child discovers lasting happiness in just one. Happy Meals bring happiness only to McDonalds. You ever wonder why Ronald McDonald wears that grin? Twenty billion Happy Meals, that's why.

Some of us adults once were those kids seeking our Happy Meal fix. It is amazing that when you get older, you don't get any smarter; your happy meals just get more expensive.


What's the last Happy Meal you bought for yourself? A car? Some clothes? A house? A spouse? How long did it last? No matter how hard we try, or how much we spend, as long as we live with a happy meal mentality, happiness will elude us.


I think it was St. Augustine who said: "Our hearts are restless till they find rest in thee." Or as David said it, "My soul finds rest in God alone..." (Psalm 62:1)


Take a moment right now to think about your next Happy Meal. Instead of pursuing one more thing, one more possession, one more acquisition ... instead of striving for bigger toys or better money or more praise directed your way ... spend a few minutes alone with the God who loves you, and let his presence in your life satisfy you.


Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. (Isaiah 55:2)

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